Cabiria

Carthage, Third century B.C., during the second Punic War. Young Cabiria is about to be sacrificed to the god Moloch, but is saved by the Roman Fulvio Axilla and his faithful servant Maciste. Many years later, the two recognise her as the beautiful Elissa, Sofonisba’s (the king of Carthage’s daughter) favourite and entrapped by the high priest Kharthalo. The final defeat of Carthage by the Romans crowns the birth of love between Axilla and Cabiria. (Cannes Film Festival)