What images come to mind when you think of Spartacus? A gladiator in an arena or perhaps slave revolt are among them, though both…
What images come to mind when you think of Spartacus? A gladiator in an arena or perhaps slave revolt are among them, though both images represent incredible men of extraordinary bravery and courage – making him one of the great figures from history and movie-makers’ inspiration alike. He stands as an inspiration against totalitarianism for many today as well as being seen as an hero figure who stands up to totalitarianism itself.
Spartacus began his rebellion against Rome in Thrace, an area situated north of Greece and west of Italy. Although many details of his early life remain uncertain, Plutarch and other sources indicate that Spartacus belonged to a nomadic tribe fighting alongside Roman armies.
Spartacus was an outstanding mercenary soldier in the Roman army, who proved his worth through battle after several victories. Following this string of successes, his achievements earned him promotion from private soldier to general and command over six legions; by this point, they recognized him not simply as an impending rebel but as a real threat.
The Senate appointed one of their praetors, Gaius Claudius Glaber, to address the rebel problem. While travelling there he defeated a group of Capuan policemen sent by their homeland to track down rebels; though this setback occurred it did not cause concern within the senate and continued.
Spartacus and his army of escaped slaves continued ambushing Roman units and freeing runaway slaves, eventually amassing over 70,000 men by the winter of 72 BC and camped out in northern Italy for supplies and food while training their troops for battle.
Spartacus paid tribute to Crixus by ordering 300 Roman prisoners to fight to the death near a symbolic funeral pyre – this momentous spectacle was greatly enjoyed by his slaves who witnessed it.
As winter 72 BC neared its end, all that remained of Spartacus’ army had finally been cornered – led by Crassus with Glaber serving as commander of another force.
Though outnumbered, Spartacus and his men remained firm. The revolt continued to expand as more escaped slaves joined its ranks–some from former soldier roles within the Roman senate; others came from across Roman territory.
Spartacus and his troops were ambushed on the Via Appia and suffered an unexpected crushing defeat, with all rebels being decimated and Spartacus himself dying during battle. At his last speech he promised that he would return to Thrace where he had fought as a mercenary for freedom; today his statue stands in Paris at Place de la Concorde as a fitting tribute to this great warrior and rebel who stood against totalitarianism; Eugene Delacroix considered his masterpiece sculpted this statue is considered to be his masterwork.