Rome

As many as 40 horses at one time were used in a scene.

Although saddles with stirrups were not used by the Romans, they are required for safety. During close-up shots, however, the stirrups are removed for more authenticity.

55 local extras were cast as "Roman Legionaries" and sent to a two-week boot camp, living in tents, to train as Roman soldiers. "Boot Camp" included military discipline (up at 5am bed by 9pm), marching, swordsmanship, camp building and dismantling, group training and maneuvers (day and night time training), and bathing restricted to the local lake without soap at night. 43 of the 55 completed "Boot Camp".