The controversy surrounding the legend of Liquan village has proven a goldmine for the culture industry - that is, one that's about to shine even brighter on the silver and small screens.

Several Chinese writers published novels about the myth before 2010 and the legend will be made into a TV series in 2011 and eventually a film.

A production team is recruiting foreign actors for the filming of the TV series The Lost Roman Legion, which will begin shooting in May. The series is part of an investment project by the Beijing Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce.

Communication University of China professor Chen Xiaochun has finished the scripts. Chen says the storyline will start from the point when Crassus' eldest son led the legion to the Kingdom of Kangju in Central Asia and made contact with Zhizhi Chanyu and General Chen Tang.

"It will be an epic with various elements of war, heroism, love and fate," Chen says. The TV drama is expected to wrap up in August.

China Daily

(China Daily 02/10/2011 page18)