 A Roman Consul, on his way to fight a border war, stations a garrison of soldiers in a provincial town. The townspeople aren t happy with this situation but decide it s in their best interests to cooperate. However, the Tribune left in charge of the garrison proves to be cruel and demanding. He takes over a house for his own use and forces his attentions on Fabiola, the owner s daughter. She reluctantly submits in order to protect the life of her lover, Brenno, who s already been publicly whipped and who s been hauled off to the local arena to provide sport for Roman gladiators. Soon, Brenno and Fabiola s brother are organizing a resistance which will put an end to the Tribune s reign of tyranny.