| Director | Roger Corman |
|---|---|
| Budget | $108,805 |
In the ancient Greek era, King Proximates, a ruthless tyrant, besieges a city for months but struggles to secure victory. Seeking a resolution, he meets Telektos, the besieged city's king, who proposes settling the conflict through a duel between champions. Proximates agrees, demanding ten days to choose his fighter.
Accompanied by the priestess Candia and philosopher Garnis, Proximates travels to the Olympic games to recruit a local champion, Atlas. Unsuccessful in convincing Atlas, he instructs Candia to manipulate the young man. Despite Garnis' jealousy, they secure Atlas for the duel.
The duel takes place in the besieged city's stadium, and Atlas easily defeats the opposing champion. In a strategic move, Proximates orchestrates a fake attack during a banquet, leading to Telektos' unjust execution for alleged involvement. Atlas and Candia attempt to escape to Egypt but are unsuccessful.
A battle ensues between Proximates' army and the rebels, with Atlas leading the charge. Proximates flees on horseback after his forces are decimated. Atlas and the rebels realize the need to eliminate Proximates. In a retaliatory act, Proximates kills Garnis, prompting Atlas to strategize an ambush in a valley.
The rebels successfully ambush Proximates' army, leading to a final battle where Atlas kills the tyrant. In the aftermath, Atlas and Candia depart for Egypt, leaving the conquered city behind.