Marcus Decius Solonius

“	"It's taken many years and the price of blood, but now I finally see you for what you are. You're a man who holds no one in esteem above himself, and I must thank you, because without your guidance, I would have never found nerve to rise up and betray those closest to me."	„
	― Solonius to Batiatus

Marcus Decius Solonius is a Lanista of Capua and was once Batiatus' closest friend before becoming his greatest rival and nemesis.

Names	Marcus Decius Solonius
Gender	Male ♂
Race	Human
Occupation	Lanista
Origin	Spartacus: Blood and Sand Episode 1: "Past Transgressions" (January 22, 2010)
Alignment	Mixed
Age	40s
Created By	Steven S, DeKnight
Height	178 cm (5ft 10in)
Personality Type	ESFJ
Portrayed By	Craig Walsh Wrightson

Appearance

Solonius is a lean, middle-aged man with neatly groomed blonde hair, appearing slightly older than Batiatus. Despite his age, he maintains a surprisingly toned physique, though nowhere near the level of a trained gladiator. His most striking feature is his set of impeccably polished teeth, which are often mocked by Capua’s elite women, including Lucretia and Ilithyia. He typically dresses in fine attire befitting a man of wealth and influence.

Personality

As Batiatus’ chief competitor in training gladiators, Solonius is a shrewd and calculating man, matching Batiatus in cunning and ambition. While he lacks the charm and charisma of his former friend, he compensates through excessive bribery and strategic alliances with Rome’s elite. He is notorious for indulging in prostitution and underhanded dealings, further alienating himself from Capua’s high society.

In Gods of the Arena, Solonius initially maintains a strong friendship with Batiatus, preferring a more cautious and measured approach to rising in status. However, as Batiatus' ruthless ambitions escalate, Solonius realizes he has been manipulated and ultimately betrays their shared plans to carve his own path, setting the stage for their bitter rivalry.

Biography

Gods of the Arena

In Gods of the Arena, Solonius is a low-ranking lanista and a close friend of Batiatus. Both men struggle to rise in Capua’s gladiatorial scene, overshadowed by their wealthier and more influential rival, Vettius. While Solonius prefers a cautious and strategic approach, Batiatus favors aggressive and manipulative tactics to climb the ranks.

Concerned for Batiatus’ safety after he is brutally beaten by men working for Vettius and Tullius—a powerful merchant overseeing the construction of the new Capua Arena—Solonius secretly reaches out to Batiatus’ father, Titus, for guidance. This act unintentionally leads to Titus’ return to Capua, complicating Batiatus’ plans. Despite this, Solonius continues to act on Batiatus’ behalf while also maintaining ties with Tullius to preserve his own opportunities in the games.

When Titus later dies from poisoned wine (secretly orchestrated by Lucretia), suspicion falls upon Tullius. Batiatus, driven by vengeance, vows retribution. Solonius, however, sees this as reckless madness, leading to a heated argument where Batiatus accuses him of lacking ambition. Lucretia intervenes, defusing the conflict, and the two ultimately reconcile to plot against Tullius.

As tensions escalate, Solonius meets with Tullius and Vettius after Batiatus refuses to sell Gannicus, a highly skilled gladiator they desperately desire. Enraged, Tullius learns from Solonius that Batiatus intends to sell Gannicus to a Syrian buyer beyond his reach. This prompts Tullius, Vettius, and their men to confront Batiatus, unknowingly walking into a trap. In a dramatic ambush, Batiatus and his gladiators overpower Tullius' forces, capturing him for brutal retribution, while Solonius takes Vettius hostage to secure future negotiations.

Before the Games of the New Arena, both Batiatus and Solonius secure prominent seats in the pulvinar, having successfully maneuvered their way up in status. Vettius arrives to announce his retirement as a lanista, claiming he will follow Tullius (who in reality was secretly killed by Batiatus and his men) to another city. Batiatus, believing they would split Vettius’ remaining gladiators, is stunned when Solonius reveals he has already claimed them all. In this moment, Solonius declares that he is tired of being in Batiatus’ shadow, turning their once-close friendship into an enduring rivalry.

During the opening games, both lanistas field the most gladiators in the primus. Batiatus has seven warriors, while Solonius boasts thirteen, making it seem certain that the latter will claim victory. However, Gannicus emerges victorious, securing Batiatus’ triumph over Solonius. Yet, before the dust settles, Solonius delivers a final blow, convincing Magistrate Sextus to grant Gannicus his freedom. Stripped of his best gladiator, Batiatus is forced to seek a new champion, solidifying the bitter enmity between the two former friends.

Period Before Blood and Sand

In the five years between Gods of the Arena and Blood and Sand, Solonius rises to prominence as the most successful lanista in Capua, surpassing Batiatus both politically and economically. Their rivalry, once rooted in competition, evolves into a silent yet bitter hatred, as Solonius enjoys his newfound influence while Batiatus struggles to gain footing.

Blood and Sand

Solonius makes his first appearance at a celebration hosted by Senator Albinius, where he exchanges veiled insults with Batiatus and Lucretia. Later, when Batiatus showcases Crixus and Barca to the assembled guests, Solonius counters by presenting six of his own gladiators, boasting of their prowess, much to Batiatus' frustration.

The following day, at the gladiatorial games and execution of Thracian prisoners, Solonius sits among the Roman elite in the pulvinar. When the last Thracian prisoner is brought forth to face Arkadios, Solonius’ champion, he is unexpectedly met with three additional gladiators from Solonius' ludus. The crowd and Albinius are displeased by this display, but Gaius Claudius Glaber supports the decision, stating that this Thracian had dishonored Rome and deserved a humiliating death. However, Solonius noticeably avoids Albinius’ gaze, as the senator, much like Batiatus and the spectators, disapproves of the spectacle. Against all odds, the Thracian defeats all four of Solonius' men, stunning the crowd. Solonius then watches as Batiatus purchases the victorious Thracian, who is granted life by Albinius and given a new name: Spartacus.

Despite his superior standing as a lanista, Solonius continually taunts Batiatus with his power. However, the tide begins to turn when Batiatus' fortune changes after acquiring Spartacus. Realizing his influence is waning, Solonius secretly hires Ovidius to have Batiatus killed, ensuring the deed cannot be traced back to him. Ovidius enlists slaves from Remus to attack Batiatus in the Pit, nearly succeeding, if not for Spartacus’ timely intervention. Batiatus investigates and traces the assassins back to Ovidius and Remus, exacting brutal vengeance on them and their families. Eventually, he uncovers that Solonius was the true mastermind behind the attempt on his life.

A silent war ensues between the two lanistas. Seeking an advantage, Solonius purchases Theokoles, a legendary, undefeated gladiator, hoping to secure a decisive victory over Batiatus’ men. However, after rigorous training, Crixus and Spartacus defeat Theokoles, further solidifying Batiatus’ rising fortune. Though Batiatus never directly confronts Solonius about the assassination attempt, he subtly hints at his knowledge, all while devising his own plan for revenge.

Meanwhile, Solonius attempts to turn Ashur against Batiatus, enticing him with promises of greater opportunity. Ashur appears to be receptive, which delights Solonius.

During Numerius' birthday celebration at Batiatus’ ludus, Solonius is invited with the sole purpose of being humiliated—a taunt from Batiatus, who is now enjoying newfound prestige. However, Solonius remains composed and instead mingles with the other guests. He later questions Ashur about Batiatus' intentions, only for Ashur to warn that they must not be seen speaking together. As the night unfolds, Solonius witnesses Spartacus being forced to kill his closest friend, Varro, in what was supposed to be an exhibition match. When Batiatus fails to secure political backing from Magistrate Calavius, Solonius chides him before departing the villa, seen in conversation with the magistrate.

As tensions escalate, Ashur sets up another meeting with Solonius, claiming that Batiatus has shifted his focus to larger ambitions. Solonius then learns of Calavius' disappearance and, suspecting foul play, follows Ashur into the sewers to free him. However, Ashur suddenly abandons him as guards approach. Solonius finds Calavius already dead, before being captured and falsely accused of the magistrate’s murder. It is revealed that Ashur had been working with Batiatus all along, successfully deceiving Solonius and leading him to his downfall.

As punishment, Solonius is sentenced to die in the arena, executed by a gladiator. In a cruel twist of fate, Spartacus is chosen as his executioner. Though he shows some knowledge of combat, Solonius proves no match for the Thracian, who slashes through him with ease. Wounded and defeated, Solonius kneels, remarking on the glory of the crowd’s roar before warning Spartacus that he has chosen the wrong path with Batiatus. In his final moments, he laughs joyously, realizing Spartacus secretly plots Batiatus’ downfall. Still chuckling, he is beheaded, with Batiatus looking on.

Trivia

• When Vettius threatens that Solonius and Batiatus will be executed for their crimes, Solonius dismisses the claim, saying, "Based upon what evidence? We were not found knife in hand, kneeling beside body." Ironically, this is exactly how Solonius is later discovered when falsely implicated in Calavius' murder.
• According to the Blu-ray commentary for "Revelations", Solonius' death scene was originally scripted to have him fleeing from Spartacus in the arena, dying like a coward. However, the showrunners decided it would be more fitting for him to fight honorably, partly due to Craig Walsh Wrightson’s performance and partly because they were impressed by his physique when he removed his shirt.
• Over 75% of the actor’s official show reel consists of scenes from Spartacus, despite his many other roles, highlighting how proud he is of his portrayal of Solonius.
• Solonius' name may be derived from Sol Indiges, one of Rome’s earliest sun gods, whose worship was tied to agriculture. His temple stood on the Quirinal Hill, and two festivals were held in his honor: one on December 11th and another on August 28th, when sacrifices were made in his name.
• Solonius may belong to the Plebeian Gens Decia, an Oscan or Sabine family from early Republican Rome. The gens was notably present during the First Secessio Plebis (495–494 BC), a key moment in Roman history, when Marcus Decius possibly became the first Tribune of the Plebs.