"I have done this thing... because it is just! Blood demands blood! We have lived- and lost- at the whims of our masters for too long. I would not have it so. I would not see the passing of a brother, for the purpose of sport. I would not see another heart ripped from chest, or breath forfeit for no cause. I know not all of you wish this, yet it is done! ...It is done. Your lives are your own- forge your own path. Or join with us, and together, we shall see Rome TREMBLE!!"
„
― Spartacus's Pro Casus Rebellionis Speech
“
"I know fear swells within your breast, and it does so with great cause. The Romans hold numbers far outweighing our own; yet they have revealed, time and again fatal flaw. That they believe: the Roman way, is the only one. Just as they believe there is only one way to leave this mountain. We shall teach them that we forge our own paths, and nothing in this world is impossible-–when heart and mind are put towards it... Let us begin a lesson forever remembered... we are all Gods this night, and the Romans, WILL FEEL OUR WRATH!"
„
― Spartacus to Rebels
“
Soon Crassus will give command and we shall face his legions in open battle. We stand in the shadow of greater might. As their Republic cast across the lives of every man, every woman and every child condemned to the darkness of slavery. Forced to toil and suffer, so that those of coin and position may see their fortunes grow beyond need or purpose. Let us teach them that all who draw breath are of equal worth! And those who seek to place heel upon the throat of liberty shall fall to the cry of freedom!
„
― Spartacus' final speech to his army
Vital statistics
Names
Spartacus, The Bringer of Rain, The Slayer of Theokoles, The Slayer of The Shadow of Death, The Thracian, The Rebel King, King Spartacus,
Gender
Male
Race
Human
Occupation
Gladiator, Rebel Leader
Origin
Spartacus Blood and Sand Episode 1: "The Red Serpent" (January 22, 2010)
Alignment
Evil
Age
37-40 years old
Created By
Stephen S. DeKnight,
Height
178 cm (5'11") (Whitfield) 185 cm (6'2") (McIntyre)
Weight
85 kg (187 lbs)
Spartacus, a Thracian warrior of unknown real name, ascended from the harsh realities of gladiatorial combat to legendary status during the Third Servile War. Initially a formidable gladiator under Batiatus' Ludus, he trained under the stern guidance of Doctore and clashed with Capua's reigning champion, Crixus. His journey from slavery to rebellion saw him lead an armed insurrection against Rome after breaking free with his fellow gladiators.
Spartacus is the central figure and protagonist of the series, whose rise from obscurity to become a champion of the arena and, ultimately, a leader fighting for the emancipation of all slaves, defines his saga. Known by various titles including "The Thracian," "The Bringer of Rain," and "King Spartacus," his transformation from a common man to a symbol of resistance is both profound and tragic.
Initially depicted as a free man with long brown hair, Spartacus' captivity saw him adopt a closely cropped hairstyle. The rigors of gladiatorial life honed his physique into a lean, muscular build, often complemented by rugged facial hair. Throughout the series, his attire evolved from simple gladiatorial gear to more elaborate armor befitting his status as a rebel leader, including a distinctive leather cuirass and a scar on his right chest.
In Spartacus: Blood and Sand: He donned a leather cuirass for training and various special armors for significant events, such as a grey metal set embossed with golden cobras.
In Spartacus: Vengeance: He wore minimal protective garments, usually with a bare torso and a red cloak during travels.
In Spartacus: War of the Damned: His leadership status was reflected in a new leather cuirass with snake motifs, matching gauntlets, greaves, and occasionally a purple cloak. His weaponry included dual swords, a spear, and his gladius.
Personality:
Spartacus' character is marked by his deep love for his wife Sura, which drives many of his actions throughout the series. Known for his honor, selflessness, and seriousness, he rarely indulges in laughter but often shares brief smiles with friends. He embodies a strong moral compass, refusing to tolerate the abuse of the weak, and exhibits a relentless spirit against injustice.
Rebellious Spark: Initially impulsive and defiant of authority, his servitude to Batiatus was tempered by the promise of freedom for himself and his wife. His drive for vengeance against those responsible for Sura's death fuels his rebellion against Rome.
Transformation: After Sura's death, Spartacus embraces his destiny, rejecting his former identity and fully committing to the cause of freeing slaves, even as his actions grow more ruthless in his fight against Roman oppression.
Leadership: Spartacus evolves into a strategic leader, using his understanding of Roman tactics to outmaneuver his foes. His initial personal quest for revenge broadens into a mission to liberate all slaves.
Combat Prowess: A skilled warrior even before his gladiatorial training, Spartacus excelled in various combat styles and weaponry. His signature moves included throwing his sword to impale enemies and a daring jump attack. His abilities and tactical acumen made him one of the most formidable fighters in both the arena and on the battlefield.
Versatile Fighter: Proficient with sword and shield, dual swords, spears, and more, Spartacus could adapt to any combat situation.
Master Strategist: His knowledge of Roman military strategies and his ability to think unconventionally were crucial in securing victories against the legions.
Moral Compass and Religious Views: Spartacus' morality often clashed with the brutality of Roman society. He viewed slaves as equals and struggled with the necessity of ruthless actions for the greater good. His religious beliefs were complex; he sometimes expressed atheistic views but also showed signs of belief in an afterlife, influenced by Sura's faith.
Historical Background: Born in Thrace, Spartacus grew up amidst conflict, developing a deep hatred for the Getae due to their attacks on his village. His early life was marked by a fascination with women, culminating in his marriage to Sura, whose love profoundly influenced his path. His transformation from a Thracian warrior to a gladiator and finally to a rebel leader is a testament to his indomitable spirit and quest for justice.
Biography
Blood and Sand
Rise and Betrayal
Spartacus gains respect in his Thracian village, and when the Roman general Gaius Claudius Glaber arrives seeking allies against Mithridates, Spartacus proposes a pact: Glaber's forces would aid in their fight against the Getae. Spartacus joins the Roman auxiliaries to battle both the Getae and Mithridates, but his plans are thwarted when Glaber reneges on their agreement and abandons the Thracians to face the Getae alone. In defiance, Spartacus deserts Glaber, who retaliates by capturing Spartacus and his wife, Sura. Sura is sold into slavery, and Spartacus is chained and sent to the gladiator pits of Capua.
The Arena and Batiatus
In Capua, Spartacus is condemned to fight four gladiators in a public execution. Astonishing the crowd and the Roman elite, he triumphs, prompting Quintus Lentulus Batiatus, a ludus owner, to purchase him. Spartacus is renamed after an ancient Thracian king since the Romans do not know his real name.
Initially resistant, Spartacus refuses to submit to Batiatus or accept his fate as a gladiator, focusing solely on escaping and reuniting with Sura. This defiance earns him harsh treatment from his peers. Eventually, Batiatus strikes a deal: he will find Sura if Spartacus trains and accepts Batiatus as his master. During his training, Spartacus befriends Varro, another trainee, but becomes the enemy of Crixus, the top gladiator of the ludus.
In his first formal fight, Spartacus faces Crixus but is humiliated and forced to surrender, losing his honor and gladiator status. Batiatus sends him to fight in the brutal underworld pits to regain his position. After surviving this ordeal and saving Batiatus from an assassination attempt, Spartacus is reinstated.
Rise as Champion
Spartacus' next arena battle is alongside Crixus against the legendary giant, Theokoles. Despite initial difficulties, they find a shared purpose in fighting for their loved ones. Though Crixus is severely wounded, Spartacus defeats Theokoles, earning immense fame and the titles "Slayer of Theokoles" and "Bringer of Rain," as his victory coincides with a long-awaited rainfall in drought-stricken Capua.
With his newfound status, Spartacus is hailed as the new Champion of Capua and gains significant favor in Batiatus' house. He is promised Sura’s return, only to find her mortally wounded upon arrival. Realizing Batiatus' treachery in her death, Spartacus is driven by vengeance but initially complies with Batiatus' demands, even performing in a staged battle where he must kill criminals dressed as Thracians.
From Gladiator to Leader
Despite his rising fame, Spartacus remains tormented by the loss of Sura and his friend Varro, whom he is forced to kill in a manipulated exhibition match. This realization, coupled with an overexertion that leads to delirium, makes him understand the futility of his victories. Discovering the truth of Sura's murder at Batiatus' command, Spartacus resolves to seek revenge and freedom.
He begins to recruit allies among the other gladiators, starting with the German brothers Duro and Agron. Convincing them to join his cause, Spartacus faces resistance from the Gauls, led by Crixus, who is punished for his relationship with Lucretia's servant, Naevia. As tensions rise, Spartacus prepares for the final act of rebellion.
The Rebellion
During the celebration of Glaber's patronage, Spartacus and Crixus are pitted against each other in a fight to the death. Learning that Crixus has been poisoned to weaken him, Spartacus persuades Crixus to join the revolt. Their fight turns into a signal for rebellion as Spartacus launches himself towards the spectators, killing a Roman dignitary.
As the gladiators, led by Spartacus and Crixus, rise against their oppressors, the villa descends into chaos. Spartacus personally confronts Batiatus, culminating in a dramatic moment where he slays his enemy after recounting Batiatus' betrayals. With Lucretia also gravely wounded, Spartacus delivers a rousing speech to the surviving slaves, vowing to lead them to freedom and make Rome tremble
Vengeance
In the aftermath of their escape, Spartacus and his followers launch a series of guerrilla attacks on the city of Capua. These raids serve dual purposes: acquiring supplies and goading Glaber into a confrontation. Spartacus taunts Glaber by carving his name into the bodies of his victims. This provocation compels the Senate to send Glaber to Capua, where Spartacus plans to strike despite the objections of his allies, Crixus and Mira. As the rebels prepare to flee to the western hills, Spartacus secretly heads off to confront Glaber. He gives Varro's widow, Aurelia, a pouch of coins to ensure her safe return to her son.
The plan quickly unravels. Aurelia is captured and fatally wounded by the Romans, and Spartacus, driven by rage, bungles his assault on Glaber, only managing to wound him. Spartacus narrowly escapes death thanks to Crixus and his men, but upon his return, he faces the ire of Mira and Crixus. Aurelia, on her deathbed, implores Spartacus to stay away from her son to prevent further tragedy. Grieving, Spartacus agrees to join Crixus in searching for Naevia and leaves Capua with his followers, aiming to amass an army by liberating slaves along the way.
On their journey, the rebels raid a villa, killing the guards and liberating the slaves, including Nasir, who initially resents Spartacus for disrupting his life. Instead of executing Nasir, Spartacus decides to train him and show him the value of freedom. The rebels fend off soldiers who come to investigate and continue their mission.
They later intercept a cart transporting slaves to the mines. Agron and Nasir extract information about Naevia from a wounded slaver before killing him. Agron falsely tells Crixus that Naevia is dead to deter a dangerous rescue mission. Crixus is devastated, but Spartacus plans to move to Vesuvius with the rebels, which the Gauls support after Crixus backs the idea. Mira requests combat training from Spartacus to avoid a fate like Sura’s. Eventually, Crixus discovers the truth from Nasir: Naevia is alive but in the mines. Furious, Crixus confronts Agron, who admits to lying for the rebellion's greater good. Spartacus resolves to rescue Naevia, splitting the group as Agron leads others to Vesuvius. Nasir chooses to join Spartacus.
Disguised as slaves and slavers, the rebels infiltrate the mines, find Naevia, and attempt to escape. Romans quickly pursue them, and Crixus sacrifices himself to ensure the others' escape. Spartacus, Naevia, and the remaining rebels flee into the forest.
The group heads towards Vesuvius, evading Roman patrols and suffering heavy losses. Nasir is critically wounded, slowing their progress. As they near Vesuvius, they encounter Agron and the disguised rebels, leading to a joyous reunion. Spartacus and Agron reconcile, and they find refuge in a ruined temple owned by Lucius Caelius, a Roman outcast who informs them of the impending execution of Crixus, Oenomaus, and Rhaskos in the arena. Spartacus plans a rescue, and Agron joins him.
Spartacus and Agron infiltrate the arena in disguise just as the executions begin. Rhaskos is killed, but the rebels set fire to the arena, causing it to collapse and kill thousands of spectators. Amidst the chaos, they rescue the prisoners and escape.
Back at their sanctuary, tensions arise as Naevia struggles with her trauma, and Gannicus, reluctant to join the rebels, plans to leave. Suspicion falls on Gannicus when vital supplies go missing, but it’s revealed that Chadara, a freed slave, intended to flee and had stolen the items. Spartacus and Gannicus clash, but Chadara is caught and killed by Mira. Gannicus leaves, disinterested in their cause.
The rebels raid the Neapolis slave market, freeing many German slaves who join their ranks. Back at the sanctuary, suspicions grow as Agron hunts without Spartacus and new soldiers like Sedullus stir trouble. Sedullus attempts to rape Naevia, leading to a deadly confrontation with Agron. Spartacus kills Sedullus and asserts his leadership, winning the Germans’ loyalty.
Gannicus returns with a captive Ilithyia, hoping to end the conflict by urging Spartacus to kill her. Spartacus is tempted until he learns she carries his child. Deciding to spare her, he stops Mira from assassinating Ilithyia, causing a rift between them. The rebels attempt to trade Ilithyia for weapons, but the Romans betray them. Thanks to the archery skills of Lucius and Mira, they escape, though Lucius is killed. Spartacus releases Ilithyia, realizing killing her won't balance the scales with Glaber.
Spartacus tests his rebels by disguising himself and others as Romans, revealing their internal discord as their greatest weakness. He devises a bonding exercise involving team fights, successfully uniting the group, though his relationship with Mira ends. Soon after, they repel an attack by Varinius, only to face Glaber’s larger force. Forced up Vesuvius, Glaber attempts to starve them out.
Desperation grows among the rebels. A group led by Nemetes attempts to break through the Roman lines but is ambushed. Spartacus and his core allies launch a rescue, engaging briefly with the powerful Egyptian warrior. During the retreat, Mira is mortally wounded by Salvius. Spartacus tries to save her, but she dies, leaving him devastated and blaming Nemetes for her death.
Ashur approaches the rebels with terms for surrender, but they unanimously refuse to betray Spartacus. Naevia duels and kills Ashur after a fierce struggle. Inspired, Spartacus devises a plan using vines to descend Vesuvius and surprise the Romans. Spartacus, Gannicus, Crixus, and Agron seize Roman catapults and attack, drawing the army into a trap where the rest of the rebels flank and decimate them.
In the ensuing battle, Spartacus avenges Mira by killing Salvius and confronts Glaber. Despite Glaber’s rage, Spartacus triumphs, declaring his freedom as he kills Glaber. As Glaber warns of Rome’s relentless pursuit, Spartacus vows to face whatever comes. He rallies the rebels, now an army, to confront Rome’s legions, embracing their destiny to challenge the might of the Republic.
War of The Dammed
Following the victory at the Battle of Vesuvius, Spartacus liberates the Roman mines and other territories, rallying a significant force and creating the formidable army he envisioned. Over time, his ranks swell to thousands, and with their superior skills, they defeat Praetor Cossinius and Tribune Furius, forcing their retreat. This alarming news prompts the Roman Senate to summon Marcus Crassus to counter Spartacus' growing threat.
Despite Spartacus' effective leadership, he remains unaware of the evolving dynamics within the rebel camp. Many escaped slaves start to idolize him as a god, though some harbor discontent. Driven by a burning desire to dismantle Roman slavery, Spartacus continues his campaign, fueled by the emptiness left by the loss of his wife, Sura.
Upon learning that Crassus is assembling an army of 10,000 soldiers nearby, Spartacus devises a bold plan. With Crixus and Gannicus, he launches a surprise nighttime assault on a villa harboring Cossinius and Furius. While the main rebel force lures out their surviving troops, Spartacus and his companions infiltrate and slaughter the villa's defenders, culminating in the execution of Cossinius and Furius. Preparing for the approaching winter and Crassus' impending arrival, Spartacus sets his sights on capturing a Roman city to shelter his army.
Spartacus then gathers intelligence on Sinuessa, leading a covert operation with Crixus and Gannicus into the city. Witnessing a slave being punished, Spartacus mercifully ends his suffering, attracting the suspicion of Laurus. They secure the support of Attius, a blacksmith, to forge weapons, and Spartacus surveys the city's grain supplies, encountering Laeta and her husband. When a curfew complicates their plans, Spartacus and Gannicus coerce Attius into helping open the main gate, allowing Crixus and Agron to seize the city. Spartacus kills the city's Aedile to prevent the destruction of the grain stores and declares Sinuessa under rebel control.
Managing the newly conquered city, Spartacus ensures the humane treatment of captive Romans, despite Agron's concerns about food shortages. When pirate leader Heracleo arrives to deliver grain, Spartacus negotiates with him for further supplies, learning about the Romans' winter stockpiling. Spartacus later fends off a Roman attack at Sinuessa's gates, unaware that his rescuer is Julius Caesar in disguise. Tensions escalate as he maintains order among the rebels and strategizes against Crassus, realizing that Cossinius and Furius' deaths were part of Crassus' broader plan.
Spartacus' leadership is tested as internal strife emerges within the rebel ranks. He narrowly prevents Crixus from executing Laeta and manages a fragile peace among his followers. As winter approaches, he leads a daring raid on Crassus' grain supplies in Cicilia, securing vital resources for the rebels. Despite the success, conflicts with Crixus over strategy continue, culminating in a heated clash as the rebels face severe cold and dwindling provisions.
In a desperate move, Spartacus devises a plan to breach Crassus' fortifications. Using the bodies of storm victims to bridge a trench, the rebels launch a surprise attack, forcing Crassus into a temporary retreat. Spartacus capitalizes on this victory, planning to move the rebels north away from Roman pursuit.
As they press on, Spartacus supports a woman in labor and confronts Kore, a former slave of Crassus. The rebels secure a villa for a final celebration before Spartacus and Crixus part ways, each pursuing their path – Spartacus towards the Alps and Crixus towards Rome. The night is marked by a heartfelt farewell and a burgeoning romance between Spartacus and Laeta.
Spartacus leads a small raid against Pompey's forces, capturing weapons and discovering Crixus' fate. In Crixus' honor, the rebels hold a gladiatorial contest where Spartacus once again fights in the arena. Negotiations with Caesar lead to a prisoner exchange, but tensions rise when Kore kills Tiberius. Despite this, Spartacus successfully secures the release of rebel captives.
Realizing that not all rebels can escape, Spartacus plans a final stand against Crassus to allow non-combatants to flee. He meets with Crassus, exchanging words before the final battle. The rebels employ strategic defenses but are ultimately overwhelmed by Crassus' larger army. In a fierce duel, Spartacus confronts Crassus, but is gravely wounded by Roman soldiers.
Rescued by Agron and Nasir, Spartacus is taken to the mountains where he spends his last moments reflecting on his journey. He urges the rebels to continue their quest for freedom before succumbing to his injuries. Spartacus is buried with honor, marking the end of his legendary fight against Rome.
Trivia
Portrayal and Actor Transitions:
Andy Whitfield, who played Spartacus in the first season, stood 180 cm (5'11") tall and weighed 85 kg (187 lbs). He tragically left the series due to health issues and passed away on September 11, 2011, from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Liam McIntyre, who took over the role in the second and third seasons, is 186 cm (6'2") tall and also weighs 85 kg (187 lbs). McIntyre later portrayed Mark Mardon, a.k.a. Weather Wizard, on CW's The Flash, a character with weather manipulation powers, earning the nickname "Bringer of Rain."
Name and Identity:
Spartacus's real name is never revealed in the series. Batiatus bestows the name "Spartacus" on him after his surprising victory in the arena. Despite several attempts to disclose his real name, Spartacus consistently uses his given name, suggesting a deep connection to his wife, from whom he hopes to hear his true name once again. He is the sole character in the series to fully embrace his new identity and the only protagonist whose pre-slavery life is explored in detail.
Fighting Styles and Gladiatorial Lore:
Spartacus initially fights in the Thraex style but transitions to the Dimachaeri style, wielding two swords. This change was partly to avoid covering the actor's face with a helmet during battles, allowing for greater on-screen presence. He is one of the few gladiators, along with Gnaeus, to switch fighting styles. Notably, his Dimachaeri style allowed him to showcase his face, a crucial aspect of his on-screen persona.
The series implies that Spartacus has proficiency in Pankration, an ancient Greek martial art.
Character Relationships and Personal Life:
The friendship between Spartacus and Varro felt genuine because Andy Whitfield and Jai Courtney were close friends in real life, maintaining their bond until Whitfield's death.
Spartacus avenges both his significant others, Mira and Sura, by killing Salvius and Glaber respectively.
Both Spartacus and Crixus father children who meet tragic ends, with Spartacus's child being killed by Lucretia in a suicide act in Vengeance.
Spartacus never truly smiles again after Varro's death, reflecting the deep impact of the loss on him. Spartacus's lovers in the series have names ending with "a" (Sura, Mira, and Laeta), and he is implied to have loved each deeply. Historical and Cultural Details:
Spartacus hails from the Maedi tribe of Thrace, located in what is now southwest Bulgaria, specifically the region of Blagoevgrad Province. The Maedi were a Hellenized Thracian tribe aligned with the Odrysian Kingdom, east of Macedonia. Spartacus's warrior background is akin to that of a Greek hoplite, indicating his higher status within his tribe.
His home region’s capital was Iamphorynna, possibly near modern Petrich or Sandanski.
Series Lore and Details:
In the series, Spartacus earns the title "Champion of Capua," with "Champion" being translated to Campionem in Latin. As the leader of the rebellion during the Third Servile War, he would be referred to as Dux Ducis, translating to "leader of leaders." Despite numerous battles and conflicts, Spartacus never kills any women in the series. He attempts to kill Ilithyia twice but never succeeds. Unique Character Aspects:
Spartacus inadvertently dishonors several of his enemies through their wives. For example, he is manipulated into having sex with Ilithyia, Glaber's wife, which horrifies him but leads to Ilithyia's pleasure, possibly resulting in her pregnancy. His final lover, Laeta, is the widow of a Roman man Spartacus kills. Their relationship highlights the complex intertwining of personal and political conflicts in the series. Spartacus and Gannicus share numerous similarities: both excel in the Dimachaeri style, have numerous lovers, and maintain strong moral codes. They become close friends and confidants throughout the Third Servile War.
Production and Behind-the-Scenes:
For continuity in showing Spartacus's injuries and scars, Andy Whitfield underwent a full-body cast process. This detailed procedure ensured consistency in the portrayal of his character’s physical state across the series. The intense process of creating a cast for his head included covering his hair and facial features with a special gel that hardened into a mold after about 40 minutes. Historical Context and Settings:
Spartacus's military service under Rome would have classified him as part of the Auxilia, a group of non-Roman servicemen. His role aligns more closely with a Numerus, a contingent of 'barbarian' allies led by their own leaders. The geographical and historical references to Thrace and the Maedi tribe are rooted in actual locations in Bulgaria, emphasizing the show's dedication to incorporating real historical elements into the character's backstory.
