The legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table is placed in a more believable context within the historical timeline. Arthur (Clive Owen) is portrayed as the son of a local British woman and a Roman military officer stationed in Britain south of Hadrian’s Wall. His Sarmatian Knights are conscripted from northern Europe and must serve Rome for a period of fifteen years. The Knights’ devotion to Arthur is severely tested just as they are about to receive their freedom. They are sent on a suicide mission against the Saxon invaders north of the wall where they will have to cross hostile territory controlled by Merlin’s Brits. Arthur is torn between leaving Britain with his best and loyal friend Lancelot (Ioan Grufford), and staying with Guinnevere (Kiera Knightley).