Tribune Marcus Aulus, out of favor in Rome because of his alleged sympathy for Christians, arrives to take charge of an aqueduct project on the hot, arid fringes of the Empire. Centurion Gaius, cruel and corrupt, resents being replaced by Marcus. He instigates a revolt by his slave-workers, then blames the situation on Marcus. During the revolt, five muscular slaves escape. They meet up with fellow escapee Balisten, a farmer unjustly condemned to the aqueduct project. Balisten, impressed by Marcus's enlightened attitudes, has rescued the Tribune from the revolt. The six slaves, with Marcus's advice, plan to gain their freedom using their prowess as gladiators. Marcus plans to clear his name and to re-unite with his fiancée, Claudia, recently arrived from Rome. Gaius plans to kill Marcus and thus hide the truth about the slave revolt. Brawls and fights both inside and outside the arena come thick and fast.

Tribun Marcus Aulus, der in Rom in Ungnade gefallen ist wegen seiner angeblichen Sympathie für Christen, übernimmt in der syrischen Wüste das Kommando beim Bau eines Aquäduktes. Zenturion Gaius, grausam und korrupt, ärgert sich über seine Zurückstufung durch Marcus. Er zettelt einen Sklavenaufstand an, und schiebt die Schuld Marcus Aulus zu. Während der Revolte können fünf muskulöse Sklaven entkommen, darunter auch Balisten.

Il buon tribuno inviato da Roma a mettere ordine nella provincia d'Africa fa fuori in duello il cattivo centurione, libera gli schiavi e sposa una bellona

La odisea de un tribuno perseguido injustamente, y la lucha que emprende en pos de su reivindicación pública.