Hercules Against the Barbarians () is a 1964 Italian peplum film directed by Domenico Paolella. When the Mongols invade Europe, they are defeated at Krakow for the first time after many victories. Kubilai (Ken Clark), the responsible commander, asks his emperor Genghis Khan for a second chance. Kubilai has two ideas how to avoid another defeat. First, he wants to eliminate Maciste (aka Hercules in the American dubbed version), the hero of the Polish people, played by Mark Forest. And then, Kubilai holds a prisoner who reveals an important secret: the princess and future queen of Poland lives in a village under false identity. The Mongols want to capture her, but of course, Maciste is a guardian to any maiden in distress... Cast Mark Forest as Hercules / Maciste José Greci as Arminia Ken Clark as Kubilai Gloria Milland as Arias Roldano Lupi as Genghis Khan Howard Ross as Gason Mirko Ellis as King Vladimir Bruno Scipioni Release Hercules Against the Barbarians was released in Italy on 16 April 1964. Reception Film critic Howard Hughes objected a lack of "logic and history". References Bibliography External links Hercules Against the Barbarians at Variety Distribution 1964 films Films directed by Domenico Paolella Films scored by Carlo Savina Peplum films 1960s adventure films Films set in the 13th century Maciste films Depictions of Genghis Khan on film Sword and sandal films 1960s Italian films