THE FACTS:
Spartacus is believed to have been a mercenary from a nomadic Thracian tribe that moved between Greece and Bulgaria. Captured during a campaign, by the Roman’s, he was enslaved and sent to live in a ‘ludus’ or gladiator school, owned by Lentulus Batiatus.
Around 72-73BC, Spartacus was the leader of the Third Servile War, or slave uprising. What led to the uprising is unclear. Spartacus escaped with 70 other gladiators and made it to a fortress at the base of Mount Vesuvius. With his ragtag army of slaves, Spartacus won some remarkable battles against the bigger, better trained, and well equipped
Roman army. A splinter group formed under the guidance of another gladiator, Crixus. Crixus wanted to meet the Romans in battle in Southern Italy. Spartacus wanted to escape to the Alps and freedom. Crixus’ troops were wiped out. Spartacus’ body was never found on the field. It was believed, he might have followed his original plan and fled to the Alps with a small group of slaves.
Nothing is known about Spartacus’ early life, or if he was married with children.
THE WRITER’S INTERPRETATION:
Spartacus was a member of the Roman Auxiliary troops, to fight a common enemy of his people and Rome. He deserts to return to his village, left unprotected, to find his wife, Sura. Sura escaped the hoards, but was captured with Spartacus, who is arrested for desertion. Sura was turned over to Syrian slavers. Spartacus was sentenced to death in the arena. He fought four gladiators and won. His sentence was commuted, and he was sold to Lentulus Batiatus to become a gladiator.
Lentulus’ wife, Lacretia, is involved in a affair with Crixus. It is a historical fact, that many high born women would take the gladiators as lovers. They were the rock stars of their time. It is a writer’s interpretation that Lacretia slept with Crixus, and was indeed in love with him. It does create a lot conflict.
