Nasir (Spartacus)

Nasir is a Syrian slave who gains his freedom through Spartacus' rebellion. Over time, he rises to become a skilled and respected warrior, as well as a trusted battle instructor. Among the rebels, he forms a deep bond with Agron, becoming his lover.

Names	Nasir, Tiberius, Little Man
Gender	Male ♂
Race	Human
Occupation	Body Slave, Rebel
Origin	Spartacus: Vengeance Episode 2: (S2E2) A Place in This World (February 3, 2012)
Alignment	Good
Age	20s
Created By	Steven S, DeKnight, Brent Fletcher
Height	173 cm (5ft 8in)
Personality Type	ISFP
Portrayed By	Pana Hema Taylor

Appearance

Nasir is of small build, with long dark hair and dark skin. After the rescue of Naevia from the mines, he acquires a distinctive scar from a Roman soldier's stab wound. Among the rebels, he is often called "Little Man," sometimes as an endearment and sometimes in jest. As a body slave, he wore only a subligaculum and a leather collar, with his hair neatly maintained. Upon joining the rebellion and relocating to Vesuvius, he adopts a more rugged appearance, wearing fabric pants, a loose shirt, and a sleeveless coat that once belonged to Agron. His hair is typically worn down, with a leather strap loosely holding some strands back, though his bangs remain unbound and less tidy than before.

Following Glaber's defeat, Nasir’s battle attire evolves into a hoplomachus-inspired style. He dons a leather pauldron, a vambrace, and a belt that holds a gladius. He wields a spear and sometimes carries a small shield strapped to his wrist. His outfit includes cloth trousers, boots, a pteruge (a skirt of leather strips), and a necklace featuring three wooden fascina. For practicality in battle, he begins tying back his bangs entirely for better visibility.

Personality

Having served as a body slave to a wealthy dominus, Nasir was accustomed to a life of relative comfort and respect, though still bound by servitude. His master named him "Tiberius," the name he initially gives upon being freed by Spartacus. However, he remembers a brother who called him Nasir, and he ultimately reclaims this identity.

Nasir possesses a strong moral compass, much like Spartacus and Oenomaus. This is evident when he chooses to reveal Naevia’s whereabouts to Crixus and refuses to harm Roman civilians. Despite sharing Syrian heritage with Ashur, Nasir struggles to gain the trust of the rebels due to Ashur’s past betrayals. However, he proves his loyalty through unwavering determination, even training to fight alongside the rebels despite the severe injury he sustained while escaping the mines.

Biography

Vengence

Nasir is first introduced when Spartacus and his rebels overtake his dominus' villa in their search for Naevia. As the slaves are gathered and addressed by Spartacus, Nasir’s collar is the first to be removed, symbolizing his liberation.

That night, Nasir attempts to kill Spartacus, believing that despite his freedom, Spartacus has merely replaced his master. When confronted, he expresses resentment over losing his privileged position as a body slave. Crixus suggests executing him, and though Agron initially agrees, Spartacus refuses, choosing instead to train Nasir as a warrior.

The next morning, Spartacus personally instructs Nasir in swordplay. Though he insists he is not a fighter, his persistence and natural ability become apparent. Agron observes him during training but remains skeptical, worried that Nasir might turn against them again.

Later, as the rebels celebrate, Agron strikes up a conversation with Nasir, who introduces himself as "Tiberius." When Agron notes that his dark complexion is not typical of a Roman, Nasir reveals his Syrian heritage. This immediately raises suspicion, as the rebels had known a Syrian—Ashur—who was infamous for his treachery. The conversation shifts to family, and Nasir mentions only remembering a brother. Agron, in turn, speaks of his late brother Duro. Nasir, still bitter, suggests that Duro's death was the rebels’ fault for opposing Rome. Rather than react in anger, Agron calmly urges Nasir to fight alongside them and forge his own path. As Agron leaves, Nasir appears regretful, either for his words or for dismissing Agron’s perspective.

Suddenly, the villa is threatened by approaching mercenaries. Rather than engage in direct combat, Spartacus sends Nasir to mislead them. He plays his role well until the scout leader notices his missing slave collar. Realizing his deception has failed, Nasir invites the mercenaries inside, leading Crixus to assume betrayal. As the rebels attack, Nasir initially hesitates but ultimately picks up a sword. When Agron is lightly wounded, Nasir steps in, killing an enemy to save Spartacus.

Despite this, Crixus remains distrustful, believing Nasir only acted because the mercenaries were doomed. Nasir, however, clarifies that his missing collar would have exposed them either way, proving his loyalty. Acknowledging his transformation, he reveals his true name—Nasir.

Later, the rebels ambush a slave transport bound for the mines. Nasir confesses to Agron that he still struggles with killing. Agron reassures him, promising to support him. After capturing a slaver named Ferox, the rebels interrogate him about Naevia’s whereabouts. Agron later lies to Crixus, claiming she is dead to spare him from a suicidal rescue mission. Nasir, aware of the deception, struggles with guilt.

As they prepare to leave for Vesuvius, Nasir watches Crixus from a distance, burdened by their lie. When he considers confessing, Agron gently stops him, stating he cannot allow Nasir and the others to risk their lives for someone presumed lost. Though Nasir agrees with the logic, he remains troubled.

On the morning of their departure, Chadara, a fellow former slave, comments on Nasir’s growing connection with Agron. She encourages him to pursue his feelings, and though Nasir says nothing, he smiles and appears flustered at the suggestion.

While moving supplies, Nasir crosses paths with Crixus, who stops to help him. Crixus admits that he initially distrusted Nasir because he was Syrian, associating him with Ashur, whose treachery brought great suffering to him and Naevia. However, he apologizes for his actions, acknowledging that Naevia would not hold Nasir accountable for Ashur’s misdeeds. Extending his hand in friendship, Crixus offers peace, but Nasir hesitates, overcome with guilt. Unable to keep the truth hidden any longer, he confesses that Naevia is alive but has been sold to the mines.

Furious, Crixus immediately attacks Agron and exposes the lie to Spartacus. Agron defends his decision, arguing that Crixus would risk all their lives for a single rescue. Despite this, Spartacus sides with Crixus and orders preparations for the mission. Agron, unwilling to take part, departs for Vesuvius with many rebels following him, including Nasir. However, just as Spartacus and his group set out for the mines, Nasir has a change of heart and chooses to go with them. Agron, though surprised and visibly concerned, does not protest, and the two exchange a knowing smile before parting ways.

In the mines, Nasir is the first to spot Naevia. However, as the rebels recover her, Roman soldiers discover them, forcing a desperate retreat through the forest toward Agron’s camp at Vesuvius. The group suffers heavy casualties, and Nasir is gravely wounded while saving Mira. With little choice, Spartacus and Naevia cauterize his wound, despite the risk of exposure. Through the agony, Nasir remains silent, remarking afterward that he has been "branded as a true gladiator would." Spartacus acknowledges his resilience, telling him he has "earned his place among the brotherhood."

Eventually, only Spartacus, Mira, Naevia, and Nasir remain as they near Vesuvius—until the sound of approaching men halts them. To their relief, it is Agron and the other rebels. Agron greets Spartacus before rushing to Nasir, who offers him a weak but heartfelt smile, which Agron returns.

The reunited rebels take refuge in the temple ruins owned by Lucius, a Roman who despises his own people for the slaughter of his family and the theft of his land during Sulla’s purges. There, Nasir recovers and is soon back on his feet. When he hears of Spartacus’ plan to attack the arena, he insists on joining despite his injury. Spartacus urges him to rest, but before Nasir can argue, Agron interjects, telling him to stay behind this time. Agron then kisses him intimately—catching Nasir off guard, but he quickly responds with happiness. When the rebels return victorious, Nasir teases Agron, and they share another kiss. However, his joy is short-lived when Chadara, a close friend, is killed by Mira after attempting to betray the rebels, leaving Nasir deeply saddened.

After Agron and Spartacus liberate a group of Germanic slaves, Nasir greets Agron with a kiss before eagerly embracing the Germans as if they were his own. They, in turn, accept him despite the language barrier. Later, Nasir remarks that the Germans bring much-needed energy to the camp. Agron agrees but notes Crixus’ disapproving looks. When they glance at him, Crixus glares back, but Nasir and Agron simply smirk and return their attention to a fight among the recruits. During a brutal confrontation at a feast, Nasir joins the rebels in defending Naevia from Sedullus and sustains a minor facial injury.

When Gannicus returns with Ilithyia as a hostage, Spartacus refuses to kill her, believing his wife would not approve of executing a pregnant woman for her husband’s crimes. Instead, he assigns Agron and Nasir to guard her. However, their passion distracts them, and as their kissing intensifies, Nasir begins fondling Agron. Before things escalate further, Mira interrupts, taking over their watch and urging them to retire to their bed. As they leave, Agron thanks her with a grin.

When the Romans attack the temple, Nasir fights alongside the rebels. As Glaber orders fireballs to rain down on both the rebels and Varinius’ forces, Nasir narrowly escapes injury, leaping up the steps as Agron pulls him to safety. Forced to flee, the rebels retreat to the mountains. Spartacus devises a daring plan to descend the cliffs using vines and flank the Romans. Nasir aids in constructing the ropes and helping Spartacus, Crixus, Agron, and Gannicus descend, sharing a silent but poignant moment with Agron before he departs. As the battle begins, Nasir is the first to spot the engagement, alerting the rebels. Under Oenomaus’ lead, they storm down the mountain, overwhelming the Romans. Nasir fights fiercely, claiming many lives and securing victory for the rebels against Glaber’s forces.

War of the Dammed

Over the six months following the rebels' victory at Vesuvius, Nasir has grown into an even stronger warrior. He now wears makeshift armor and wields a spear in battle.

He is present when the rebels triumph over Cossinius’s forces and remains deeply devoted to Agron. Both he and Agron continue to express gratitude to Spartacus, believing that his actions not only freed them but also led them to find each other.

As an experienced rebel, Nasir plays a key role in testing new recruits, sparring with them while Agron and Donar assess their potential.

When the rebels seize control of Sinuessa, Nasir assists Crixus and Naevia in training the fighters. However, when Crixus forces two Romans to fight to the death for food, Nasir is visibly disgusted by the cruelty of the act.

During a celebration in Sinuessa, a tipsy Nasir crosses paths with the Cilician pirate Castus, who attempts to seduce him. Though flattered by Castus’s smooth words, Nasir firmly rejects his advances and tries to leave. When Castus grabs his arm, Agron witnesses the exchange and, enraged, confronts Castus, resulting in a fight. Spartacus intervenes to break it up, bringing the celebration to an abrupt end. Later, Nasir scolds Agron for his jealousy, but Agron defends his actions. Their argument soon softens into expressions of love, ending with an intimate moment between them.

Ordered by Spartacus to watch over the city walls while the rebels meet with the pirates, Nasir expresses frustration at being left behind. Agron reassures him with a kiss before departing. As he stands watch, Nasir complains to Naevia that he cannot see Spartacus and the others in the distance.

When the rebels return from their ambushed meeting with the pirates, Nasir frantically searches for Agron, even checking the line of fallen soldiers. Upon finding him alive, he embraces him tightly, confessing that he feared the worst. He then vents his frustration over Nemetes refusing to open the gate, a decision Spartacus later defends, though Nasir remains unconvinced.

The day some rebels conspire to execute the captive Romans, Nasir and Castus arrive together to warn Spartacus. Agron, already wary of Castus, is furious to see them together and voices his suspicions. Though Castus remains sympathetic, Nasir is visibly frustrated and hurt by Agron’s distrust. Repeatedly, he tries to speak with Agron, but Agron continually rebuffs him, convinced Nasir harbors feelings for Castus.

At Spartacus’s villa, Nasir tends to the surviving Romans, showing them unexpected compassion. When Agron arrives, Nasir once again attempts to bridge the gap between them, only for their conversation to escalate into an argument. Fed up with Agron's jealousy, Nasir firmly tells him that he will not allow him to dictate his friendships. Agron questions why, of all people, Nasir would seek out Castus. In response, Nasir states that if their roles were reversed, he would have believed Agron without hesitation—because he loves him that much. Agron is left speechless, seemingly shaken by Nasir’s words.

When Heracleo betrays the rebels, Nasir takes up arms alongside Spartacus, slaying many Romans during the battle at the docks. As the rebels claim victory, they soon spot a fleet of Roman ships, signaling an imminent attack.

Nasir and Lugo then venture into the city, where Nasir narrowly escapes death when a Roman soldier nearly strikes him from behind. Castus intervenes, saving his life by stabbing the soldier in the back with a spear. Just as Castus finishes, Agron appears and, without hesitation, attacks him. Stunned, Nasir demands to know why. Agron accuses Castus of being involved in Heracleo’s betrayal, but Castus denies any connection. Nasir immediately defends him. Before the argument can escalate further, Lugo warns that more Romans are approaching, prompting Spartacus to lead the rebels into the mountains.

As they retreat, Agron and Nasir bring Castus along. When Crixus spots him, he immediately brands him a traitor and moves to strike, but Nasir steps in, insisting Castus had no knowledge of Heracleo’s plans. Spartacus, unwilling to waste time on accusations, orders Castus to be restrained and taken into the mountains with them. In a silent exchange, Agron nods at Nasir in a sign of trust, which Nasir reciprocates before escorting Castus to safety.

In the mountain camp, as the rebels prepare for the coming storm, Nasir tends to the sick and wounded. Despite Agron's distrust of Castus, he leaves the bound pirate in Nasir's care. In Agron's absence, Nasir witnesses Castus being harassed and beaten by the hostile Brictius. Unwilling to tolerate such treatment, Nasir confronts the brute, standing his ground even when threatened. Brictius, caught off guard by Nasir’s defiance, backs down and leaves in bitter frustration. Afterward, Nasir and Castus share a conversation, with Castus continuing to flirt. Nasir finds his charm amusing but does not indicate any romantic interest. Eventually, Nasir convinces Agron to release Castus, smiling brightly at Agron's disapproving expression.

After the storm subsides, Nasir joins the rebels in their departure from the mountains, taking part in the skirmish against Roman scouts at the rear. That night, while setting up camp, Agron notices Laeta struggling with her tent and goes to assist her. Castus arrives with extra firewood and offers to share it with Nasir and Agron. Still spiteful, Agron accepts before leaving. As Nasir and Castus talk, Castus once again flirts, but this time, Nasir snaps, making it clear that he no longer finds the advances amusing and wants them to stop. Castus insists that Nasir must have feelings for him, pointing out that his irritation proves he is no longer indifferent. Though Nasir briefly considers the claim, he ultimately dismisses it, and the two shift back to friendly banter. Watching Nasir at ease, Agron begins to believe that Nasir deserves happiness and freedom, even if it means being apart from him.

When Spartacus and Crixus decide to part ways, the rebels take a village for one last night of celebration. Nasir and Agron discuss the impending battle, and Agron announces his decision to follow Crixus while urging Nasir to remain with Spartacus. Though Nasir initially insists on staying by Agron’s side, Agron pleads with him to seek a life beyond war. Reluctantly, Nasir agrees, understanding that while Agron is prepared to die in battle, losing Nasir would be unbearable for him. They share a final embrace and kiss before parting ways at dawn.

When news of Crixus' defeat reaches the rebels, Naevia returns as a grim message from Crassus. Desperate for information, Nasir asks about Agron, but Naevia collapses in tears, unable to answer. Heartbroken, Nasir assumes the worst and throws himself into training the rebels, pushing them harder than before. Castus, believing they share the same grief, attempts to comfort him, but Nasir takes offense, blaming Castus for Agron’s departure. When Castus insists that it was Agron’s own choice, Nasir reveals his true guilt—he believes that if he had rebuffed Castus from the beginning, Agron might never have left.

To honor the fallen, Spartacus organizes an arena where rebels will fight captured Romans, ad gladium. Nasir, one of the final combatants before Naevia, dedicates his fight to Agron, wishing his opponent were a thousand men so that his death might be a more fitting tribute. Though he fights fiercely and emerges victorious, the kill brings him no satisfaction. Naevia acknowledges his tribute, and he solemnly responds that she will soon honor Crixus in the same way.

A sudden turn of events brings an unexpected reunion. As part of a bargain between Spartacus and Crassus, 500 surviving rebels are returned. Watching others reunite with their loved ones, Nasir bitterly laments, "Would that those we held to heart stood among them." But then Castus directs his attention to Spartacus, who is carrying a critically wounded Agron. Nasir rushes to his lover’s side, overwhelmed with both joy and devastation at his injuries. At first, Agron seems barely aware of his surroundings, but he weakly opens his eyes and smiles, and the two share an emotional reunion.

As the final battle approaches, Spartacus orders Agron to escape with the non-combatants. Agron, determined to fight, attempts to wield a sword but is too injured to grip it. In response, Nasir crafts a custom shield with an attached blade, allowing Agron to battle despite his wounds. Agron declares that his place is on the battlefield, and though Nasir agrees, his face betrays his anguish. They embrace tightly, and Agron kisses Nasir’s forehead before charging into battle.

Nasir fights alongside Agron and Castus, cutting down many Romans. However, Castus is mortally wounded by a Roman horseman. Nasir stays with him in his final moments, comforting him as he dies. With his last words, Castus wishes that he could have been Agron for just one day. Enraged by their comrade’s death, Nasir and Agron press on, cutting down even more Romans in vengeance.

As Spartacus prepares to strike down Crassus, he is suddenly impaled by three Roman spears. Crassus moves in for the final blow, but before he can strike, Nasir, Agron, and a few other rebels intervene, forcing him to retreat. Nasir personally avenges Spartacus by killing his attackers, and the group carries their fallen leader into the mountains before Crassus’ reinforcements can arrive.

When Spartacus awakens, Nasir, Agron, Sibyl, and Laeta surround him, offering what little comfort they can. As he speaks his final words, he succumbs to his wounds, leaving the rebels in mourning. At that moment, the skies darken, and rain falls, just as it had during Spartacus' legendary battle with Theokoles.

The rebels bury Spartacus beneath a cairn, placing the sword-shield Nasir made for Agron atop his grave. With Rome’s grasp finally loosened, Nasir and Agron walk away into the hills with the remaining survivors, free at last.

Trivia

• Although the series refers to Nasir as "Syrian," historically, he would have been Assyrian. However, his Arabic name suggests an Arabian ethnic origin. He may have come from the ancient borderlands between Syria and Arabia, where cultural and ethnic intermixing was common.
• Nasir is the first known named non-combatant slave to become a warrior among the rebels.
• In Vengeance, Nasir, Oenomaus, Ashur, and Gannicus were among the few characters to wear pants (braccae).
• Nasir is one of the only named rebel fighters to survive the entire series. The others include his lover Agron, Pollux, Timocles, The Veteran, Lysandros, Tyronius, Leviticus, and Lydon. Among them, Nasir is unique in not being a gladiator or a former slave from the House of Batiatus.
• The Latin term for a body slave is Servus Corporis. Another term, Amanuensis, means "within hand’s reach"—a role Nasir filled as a personal attendant to his Roman dominus, who named him Tiberius.
• In Vengeance, Nasir once told Agron that he was "more Roman than Syrian." This could imply that his heritage was primarily Roman or that, having lived his entire life as a slave, Nasir (then called Tiberius) identified more with Roman culture.
• While Nasir refers to himself as Syrian, his name—meaning "one who gives victory"—is of Arabic origin. This suggests that his family may have been ethnically Arabian but lived in or near Syria, possibly along the frankincense and myrrh trade routes between Assyria and Arabia.
• Manu Bennett (Crixus) revealed that Nasir wielding a spear was a tribute to Pana Hema Taylor’s Māori heritage, as it resembles the taiaha, a traditional Māori weapon.
• On Twitter, Pana Hema Taylor shared that he personally suggested Nasir wear certain items of Agron’s clothing, such as the long vest-coat. He also revealed that he had to stand on a box for certain scenes with Dan Feuerriegel (Agron) due to their height difference on camera.
• Taylor has been an outspoken supporter of the LGBT community, particularly embracing the love fans have for Nasir and Agron’s relationship.