Who Was Spartacus? - His Rise and Fall

20 questions along with their answers about Spartacus, the gladiator who led one of the most significant slave rebellions in Roman history.

1. Who was Spartacus?

• Spartacus was a Thracian gladiator who is most famous for leading a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic, known as the Third Servile War, between 73-71 BCE.

1. Why is Spartacus famous?

• Spartacus is famous for leading the largest slave rebellion in Roman history, challenging the Roman Republic's authority and the institution of slavery.

1. Where did Spartacus come from?

• Spartacus was originally from Thrace, an area in Southeast Europe, which now encompasses parts of modern-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey.

1. How did Spartacus end up as a gladiator?

• Though details are somewhat unclear, it is believed that Spartacus was once a soldier, possibly deserted, was captured, sold into slavery, and then trained at a gladiatorial school in Capua, Italy.

1. What sparked the rebellion led by Spartacus?

• The rebellion began in 73 BCE after Spartacus and around 70 other gladiators broke out of the gladiatorial school in Capua, seizing weapons and defeating Roman forces sent to suppress them.

1. How many slaves joined Spartacus' rebellion?

• Estimates suggest that up to 120,000 slaves and freedmen eventually joined the rebellion, although numbers fluctuated throughout the conflict.

1. What were the main achievements of Spartacus' rebellion?

• Despite being vastly outnumbered and out-equipped, Spartacus and his followers managed to defeat multiple Roman armies, instill fear into the heart of Rome, and maintain their freedom for over two years.

1. Who were the Roman figures tasked with suppressing the rebellion?

• Initially, local militia and then Roman legions were sent, but after their failure, Marcus Licinius Crassus took command with Pompey and Lucullus eventually providing support.

1. How did Spartacus plan to defeat the Roman Republic?

• Spartacus initially seemed to aim for escaping Italy by crossing the Alps but later engaged in several battles against Roman forces, possibly seeking to strike at Rome itself or to leverage a better position.

1. Where did the final battle of the rebellion take place?

• The final battle occurred near the Silarus River in Lucania, Southern Italy, in 71 BCE.

1. What was the outcome of Spartacus' rebellion?

• The rebellion was crushed by the Roman legions led by Marcus Licinius Crassus. Spartacus was presumably killed in the final battle, although his body was never identified.

1. What happened to the survivors of the rebellion?

• Surviving rebels were captured and crucified along the Appian Way from Capua to Rome as a warning against future rebellions.

1. Did Spartacus' rebellion have any lasting effects on the Roman Republic?

• While it did not lead to the abolition of slavery or significant immediate reforms, it exposed vulnerabilities in Rome's reliance on slavery and led to military and administrative changes.

1. How did Spartacus become a symbol after his death?

• Over centuries, Spartacus has been celebrated as a symbol of resistance against oppression and the struggle for freedom and equality.

1. What did ancient historians write about Spartacus?

• Ancient historians like Plutarch and Appian provided accounts of Spartacus’ life and the rebellion, often emphasizing his leadership, strategy, and the threat he posed to Rome.

1. How accurate are these historical sources?

• While valuable, these sources reflect the perspectives of Roman authors, and their accounts are sometimes contradictory or infused with moral and political biases.

1. Has Spartacus been depicted in modern culture?

• Yes, Spartacus has been the subject of many books, films, and television series, most notably the 1960 film "Spartacus" directed by Stanley Kubrick.

1. What is the legacy of Spartacus today?

• Today, Spartacus is seen as a hero who fought for freedom against enormous odds, inspiring countless works and social movements.

1. Were there any notable leaders alongside Spartacus during the rebellion?

• Yes, leaders like Crixus and Oenomaus were significant figures in the rebellion, each commanding sections of the rebel forces at different times.

1. What strategic mistakes did Spartacus make during his campaign?

• Historians debate this, but some suggest that failing to leave Italy when he had a chance and underestimating Roman resilience might have been strategic errors contributing to his defeat.