Whilst the interest in ancient historical epics has never been so little States-side, overseas it remains ever bountiful with films like "Troy", "Last Samurai", "Master & Commander" and even "Alexander" overcoming woeful domestic earnings with massive international grosses.

That seems to explain today's announcement that Columbia Pictures has acquired screen rights to a 10-page proposal which plans a new take on the life of Egyptian queen "Cleopatra".

Variety reports that Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Stacy Schiff will pen the novel for release in 2009 with the film to follow soon after. Scott Rudin will produce.

The last time a biopic of "Cleopatra" was attempted, it resulted in a 1963 flop starring Elizabeth Taylor which remains one of the most expensive films ever adjusted for inflation.

Schiff's proposal plans to destroy movie myths that focused on pageantry and Cleopatra's skills as a seductress, rather focusing on her skills as a firm ruler and military tactician who embarked on a ruthless rise to power both on the battlefield and in marriage.