Naevia (Spartacus: Blood and Sand)

Naevia is a former slave in the House of Batiatus, originally owned by Lucretia, who later becomes Crixus' love interest. When their secret affair is discovered, Naevia is banished from the Ludus. She is eventually found by the rebels and joins their cause alongside her lover.

Names	Naevia
Gender	Female ♀
Race	Human
Occupation	Body Slave, Mines Slave, Rebel
Origin	Spartacus: Blood and Sand Episode 2: Sacramentum Gladiatorum (January 29, 2010)
Alignment	Mixed
Age	20s
Created By	Steven S, DeKnight
Height	170cm (5ft 7in) (Season 0-1) 168cm (5ft 6in) (Season 2- 3)
Weight	Varies
Personality Type	ISFJ, 6w7 (Enneagram)
Portrayed By	Lesley-Ann Brandt (Season 1, Prequel) Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Season 2, Season 3)

Appearance

Naevia has an average height and a slim build, with a dark complexion. Her long, dark brown hair is typically worn loose, though, in a fit of rage, Lucretia cuts it off, leaving it uneven. She wears typical slave attire that reflects both her status and the wealth of the household.

After becoming Lucretia's personal body slave, Naevia bears a butterfly tattoo on her right shoulder, symbolizing her elevated status. As a body slave, she often wears a blue linen dress and veil when outdoors, similar to her predecessor, Melitta. Like many household slaves, she is frequently barefoot.

During her time with the rebellion, Naevia wears makeshift armor and allows her hair to grow back, now braided.

War of the Dammed

Personality

As a Slave

Naevia had been Lucretia's slave since childhood, and after Melitta's death, she became her personal body slave. Though initially loyal to Lucretia and obedient to her commands, Naevia grows closer to Crixus, and they begin a secret love affair.

She is kind-hearted and compassionate, deeply caring for her friends and unable to bear their suffering. Naevia is an emotional character, openly expressing her feelings, whether in moments of joy, sadness, or anger.

As a Rebel

After enduring horrific abuse and hard labor in the mines, Naevia is rescued by Crixus. Now a fugitive among Spartacus and his rebels, she trains to become a fighter, determined never to be vulnerable again and to stand strong by Crixus' side.

Her traumatic experiences have left deep scars, both physical and psychological, making her one of the most tortured characters in the series. Haunted by brutal memories of Roman cruelty, she becomes consumed with an obsessive thirst for revenge, channeling her anger into her newfound combat skills. However, her trauma often clouds her judgment, as seen in her willingness to kill innocent Romans who pose no threat. She brutally murders Attius without solid evidence, later justifying his death by reasoning that he was simply a Roman who deserved to die. Even after learning that Attius was not a traitor and that Laeta was the true culprit, Naevia refuses to regret her actions.

Additionally, she demonstrates a manipulative, self-serving side, exacerbating tension among the rebels by stirring up Crixus’ anger for personal revenge. Her actions contribute to a rift in the group, undermining the unity they once had.

Following Crixus' death, Naevia begins to realize the consequences of her choices and, in a rare moment of self-reflection, apologizes to Spartacus for her role in causing the split that ultimately led to Crixus’ demise. Had she not acted as she did, Crixus and his followers might have survived.

Biography

Gods of the Arena

Naevia reveals that she was born in the ludus and serves as one of Lucretia's personal slaves, alongside her close friend, Diona. She works diligently for the household and, overall, is treated fairly well.

One evening, while Lucretia and Gaia are relaxing at the villa, Varus and his companion Cossutius arrive unannounced. Cossutius, intrigued by the pleasures offered at the House of Batiatus, demands to witness them for himself. Lucretia attempts to explain that Gannicus' performance for Varus was a special event, but Varus threatens to have her husband removed from the primus unless she complies with his request. Reluctantly, Lucretia agrees and offers two slaves—Naevia and Diona, both virgins—to be paired with a gladiator of Cossutius' choosing. He selects Rhaskos and Diona, specifically requesting that Rhaskos be left dirty from the fights in the ludus to symbolize the grotesque, in contrast to the untouched beauty of Diona. However, watching is not enough for Cossutius. He decides to violate Diona alongside Rhaskos, brutally assaulting her. Afterward, Varus and Cossutius leave the ludus without a word, and Diona emerges from the room, visibly bruised and distraught.

The aftermath of this traumatic event creates a deep rift between Naevia and Diona. Diona, ashamed and traumatized, refuses to speak to Naevia, who tries to reach out to her. Diona harshly tells Naevia that she is no longer worthy of her friendship and to leave her alone. A few days later, Naevia finds Diona crying and, in a heartbreaking moment, Diona confesses that she wishes the next man she is forced to lie with will take her life. In a desperate bid to offer Diona a chance at freedom, Naevia gives her money and tells her to escape. Diona accepts with gratitude, but her freedom is short-lived. Naevia is forced to watch in horror as Diona is executed in the arena. They share one final, bittersweet smile before Diona is killed. This moment deeply affects Naevia, likely contributing to her disdain for the arena.

At the end of the prequel, following Melitta's death, Naevia becomes Lucretia's personal body slave and receives her mark tattooed on her right shoulder, solidifying her new position in the household.

Blood and Sand

As Lucretia's handmaid, Naevia serves her diligently, carrying out various tasks such as fetching wine and attending to her other needs. She becomes aware of Lucretia's affair with Crixus and is sent to fetch him for her. Through their frequent interactions, a relationship gradually develops between Naevia and Crixus, who is initially drawn to her beauty. Crixus, through Ashur, manages to get a necklace for her, but Naevia is forced to refuse it, as slaves are forbidden from owning personal items. Despite this, the gesture leaves a lasting impact, and her feelings for him are reciprocated.

Naevia witnesses the murder of Barca and is ordered to keep it a secret, to claim that Barca left the ludus peacefully. When questioned by Doctore, she refuses to reveal any details, stating that his inquiries could put her in danger.

Though Crixus continues to sleep with Lucretia to avoid suspicion, Naevia is distressed by their arrangement. To spend more time with Crixus, she flirts with the guard Hector and manages to steal his key to the villa. This allows her to secretly meet Crixus in the night, where they share intimate moments in the stairwell. Naevia's theft goes unpunished because Hector is too embarrassed to admit his mistake.

One night, while they are together, Ashur spots Naevia and Crixus from above the stairs. When Batiatus promotes Ashur to be his right-hand man, he offers Ashur the choice of any female slave in the house. Ashur, driven by hatred for Crixus and his cunning nature, chooses Naevia, forcing her to comply. This angers Lucretia, who had hoped to preserve Naevia's virginity for future use and had been protective of her.

During a public display of the gladiators for the amusement of Claudius Glaber, Crixus sees Ashur's intentions toward Naevia, and her frightened expression causes him to lose control. Ashur exposes their affair, which leaves Lucretia feeling betrayed, as she had thought Crixus was hers alone. While Crixus is punished for his outburst with a brutal whipping, Lucretia vents her anger on Naevia, beating her violently. She even goes so far as to grab a knife, hacking off most of Naevia's hair, leaving several bloody bald patches and cutting her face in the process. Naevia is then escorted from the villa and sent to an undisclosed location. Before her departure, Naevia is allowed a final moment with Crixus at Doctore’s request. Crixus vows to find her, no matter where she is.

Before leaving the ludus, Naevia confides in Doctore about the truth behind Barca’s "departure" and warns him to discourage Crixus from seeking freedom, fearing he would meet the same tragic fate. Her revelation about their masters' treachery plays a key role in Doctore’s eventual defection, allowing him to take part in the rebellion and gain some measure of revenge for her.

Vengeance

In the weeks following Spartacus’ rebellion, Crixus desperately searches for information about Naevia, who had been sent away by Lucretia before the revolt. His relentless pursuit causes tension within the group, particularly with Agron, who believes that searching for someone who is likely dead is a waste of time. However, Agron and Nasir eventually encounter a man with information about Naevia while attacking a slave cart. The man reveals that she is alive and imprisoned in the mines, but Agron kills him to prevent Crixus from embarking on a dangerous mission. To shield Crixus from further pain, Agron tells him that Naevia is dead, but Nasir, wracked with guilt, reveals the truth. This causes the Rebels to split up, with some following Spartacus and Crixus to the mines, while others join Agron at Vesuvius.

When Crixus and the group finally find Naevia deep within the mines, her poor treatment is evident, but the reunion is short-lived as Claudius Glaber’s soldiers attack, capturing Crixus, Rhaskos, and Acer. Naevia desperately attempts to reach Crixus, but is held back by Spartacus and manages to escape. As the captured Rebels are marched to Glaber, Naevia and the remaining group members seek out Agron and his faction in the forest. Their numbers dwindle with each fight, and Liscus and Fortis suggest abandoning Naevia due to her being the slowest and weakest member. Eventually, they find Agron’s group and take shelter in an abandoned temple. Naevia mourns the loss of Crixus while caring for Nasir, who was injured by Glaber's men.

Naevia later learns from Lucius Caelius that Crixus survived but was sent to the arena for execution. Spartacus, Mira, and a few others manage to rescue him, bringing back Gannicus and Oenomaus as well. Although the reunion between Naevia and Crixus is joyful, the scars of Naevia’s past haunt her. She is a shadow of her former self, flinching at Crixus’ touch, haunted by her traumatic experiences with the Romans. In one of her darkest moments, she contemplates suicide but instead tells Crixus she wants to learn to fight so no one can ever exploit her again.

Over the following weeks, Naevia proves herself a capable fighter, and the romance between her and Crixus rekindles. Their physical connection is restored as they share intimate moments once again.

When Publius Varinius and his army attack the temple, Naevia showcases her archery skills by killing several Roman soldiers, marking their first major victory over the Romans. However, their triumph is short-lived as Glaber’s forces, aided by Ashur, storm the Rebel camp. Many Rebels are killed, and Spartacus and his followers are forced to retreat to the barren peak of Mt. Vesuvius. Realizing the dire situation, Saxa, Lugo, Nemetes, and a few others attempt to fight back but fail, resulting in only a handful making it back alive, thanks to Spartacus' intervention. Mira is struck by an axe and barely survives the journey back. Naevia rushes to her side, but Mira dies in Spartacus' arms.

Meanwhile, Lucretia and Ilithyia travel to meet Glaber, and during their journey, Lucretia reveals she has been promised to Ashur. The two women plot to eliminate him by accusing him of betrayal, claiming he revealed the truth about her brother’s murder. Ashur is sent to bargain with Spartacus, offering to release the captured Rebels in exchange for Spartacus’ life. Though they refuse his terms, Crixus is determined to fight Ashur for his numerous wrongdoings. Naevia, however, steps forward, insisting that she be the one to make Ashur pay for his abuses. Though she has become skilled with a sword, Naevia is no match for Ashur, who easily bests her. However, his cockiness proves to be his downfall, and Naevia manages to slice his neck and decapitate him after three strikes. She and Crixus share an emotional embrace as Spartacus plans their next move.

The Rebels, using vines found on the mountain, craft ropes to descend and attack the Roman camp. Spartacus, Crixus, Agron, and Gannicus are able to use the catapults to cause massive damage to the Romans. The sight of fireballs signals the rest of the group to descend, led by Oenomaus. Glaber’s forces are overrun, and he retreats to an abandoned temple, but the Rebels follow, launching a final attack.

Naevia kills several soldiers during the battle, watching as Glaber faces Spartacus in a duel. Glaber is ultimately killed by Spartacus. After the battle, Spartacus informs the Rebels that they now have an army and will challenge the full force of Rome. Naevia, along with the other Rebels, cheers in solidarity with Spartacus, emboldened by their victory and the prospect of further rebellion.

War of the Dammed

In the months following Glaber's defeat at Vesuvius, Naevia has become a highly skilled warrior, now serving as Crixus' second-in-command in the rebellion. She participates in the victorious battle against the forces of Cossinius and Furius, and celebrates with Crixus afterward.

After the battle, the Rebels are alerted to the presence of a Roman unit nearby. Naevia lures them into an ambush, swiftly killing the soldiers. The dead Romans turn out to be a messenger unit carrying news that Marcus Crassus is assembling an army of 10,000 to face the Rebels. They also learn that Cossinius and Furius have fled to a nearby villa. Spartacus quickly devises a plan, sending Gannicus, Crixus, and himself to infiltrate the villa at night. While Naevia worries for Crixus’ safety, the mission is successful, and the three men kill Cossinius and Furius.

Realizing that their growing army will need better provisions for the winter, Spartacus leads the Rebels to the city of Sinuessa. They storm the city, killing nearly every Roman within, leaving only a few survivors. While Spartacus believes they should show mercy, Naevia, deeply scarred by her past, insists that all Romans should be killed. Her bitterness stems from the cruel treatment she endured after being discarded from the House of Batiatus.

Naevia's hatred for Romans grows, and she becomes quick to strike first, even when it is not clear if the enemy is truly a threat. She violently kills Ulpianus, a Roman baker who only wanted bread for his pregnant wife, and later kills Attius, whom she suspects of helping hide Roman prisoners. She confides in Crixus, revealing that after being discarded by Batiatus, she was taken in by a kind Roman dominus. She believed it was a dream, but the man soon showed his true nature, using her for his cruel desires.

The situation escalates when it is revealed that Laeta was hiding the Romans. Gannicus, furious over Attius' death, confronts Naevia in the plaza, expressing his anger. Naevia justifies her actions, leading to a heated argument. Gannicus curses her, causing Crixus to charge at him in anger. Though Crixus initially gains the upper hand, Gannicus overpowers him. Naevia, in a fit of rage, grabs a stone and knocks Gannicus out. She then, along with Nemetes and Lysiscus, convinces Crixus to slaughter the Romans in the street. They nearly succeed, with Crixus even coming close to killing Laeta for her betrayal, but Spartacus intervenes in time.

Naevia tells Spartacus of Laeta’s treachery, and Gannicus, once revived, reluctantly confirms her account, though he chastises Naevia for causing Attius' death. Despite the chaos, Crixus demands that Laeta be killed, but Spartacus refrains, instead stripping Crixus of his leadership role. He orders the surviving Romans to be taken to his villa, where they will face further consequences. Naevia, though grateful to Spartacus for his help, expresses her growing doubts about the direction of the rebellion. Crixus, sensing her unrest, suggests it might be time for them to carve their own path.

After Spartacus leaves the city without telling him, Crixus and Naevia confront Agron at the villa, where Agron remains loyal. When Roman scouts approach, Naevia rallies the Rebels to attack, but Spartacus arrives and demoralizes them. As he opens the gates to free Roman prisoners, Naevia is seen bullying them with the other Rebels, spitting on them. During the evacuation, Naevia apologizes to Gannicus for the death of his friend, Attius, acknowledging that though she was forced into it, Attius didn’t deserve to die. Gannicus, recognizing her as a true warrior now, warns her not to lay hands on him again.

Later, Naevia fights alongside Crixus, Lugo, Brictius, and Nasir against Romans and pirates at the docks. When the Romans launch an assault on the city, Naevia and Crixus want to stay and fight, but Spartacus leads them into the frosted mountains. Naevia discusses retaking the city with Spartacus, but he states, "the city is lost."

While on a mission near a Roman camp, Naevia is stabbed in the leg. Spartacus carries her back to the encampment, where she heals. Tensions rise between Spartacus and Crixus over the incident, with Crixus blaming Spartacus for Naevia’s injury. Naevia later joins the Rebels in a battle, using her bow skills to kill many Romans. The Rebels successfully breach the wall and escape.

As Spartacus leads the Rebels away from Melia Ridge, Naevia fights alongside them against the Romans in pursuit. Afterward, Naevia shares a moment with Crixus, revealing that her only desire is to send more Romans to the afterlife. When Crixus expresses doubt about deserving her, Naevia assures him he is the only man who truly does. When Crixus chooses to part from Spartacus, Naevia joins him, and together with Agron and others, they march towards Rome, leaving a path of blood behind them.

At the gates of Rome, Naevia fights fiercely in the battle against Arrius’ forces. After Crixus kills Arrius, Naevia proudly tells him he is a god. However, Crassus’ army soon descends upon them. Before the charge, Naevia reminds Crixus of his title, "The Undefeated Gaul," and urges him to show them why. During the battle, Naevia charges in, but when Caesar challenges Crixus, he gains the upper hand. Naevia attempts to help Crixus, but she is knocked down by Caesar. She watches in horror as Crixus is impaled by Tiberius’ spear and beheaded.

Devastated, Naevia later rides to Spartacus, holding Crixus’ severed head. When Spartacus captures Tiberius, he offers Naevia a chance for revenge, and she agrees. However, before she can strike Tiberius down, Caesar intervenes, proposing a trade: 500 Rebels for Tiberius’ life. Spartacus hesitates but ultimately agrees. Naevia, though heartbroken, allows Tiberius to live, promising she will take his life one day. After Tiberius is killed by Kore, Naevia honors Crixus by burning his severed head, and the Rebels call out the names of their fallen comrades.

Naevia chooses to fight Crassus’ army, allowing the weaker Rebels to escape. She joins Spartacus, Gannicus, Agron, Nasir, and Castus for the final confrontation with Crassus. In the ultimate battle, Naevia kills many Romans, wielding Tiberius’ sword. When she faces Caesar, she attempts to kill him but only wounds his arm. Caesar, after a brief struggle, overpowers her, ripping the sword from her and plunging it into her neck, ending her life. Gannicus, witnessing her death, becomes even more enraged, prompting him to face Caesar once again.

Trivia

• Naevia and Crixus’ love has been compared to Spartacus and Sura’s love by other characters.
• Naevia does not appear in Gods of the Arena.
• Many characters admire her beauty, including Crixus, Lucretia, Ashur, Sedullus, Gannicus, and Spartacus.
• Naevia and Crixus are the only main characters to appear in all three seasons and the prequel.
• She was the twenty-first main character to be killed.
• Naevia survived longer than any other female character, from the second episode of the first season to the final episode of the third season.
• Naevia is killed with a downward thrust through the neck, similar to how her childhood friend Diona was killed.
• A continuity error occurs during her fight with Caesar—while the initial strike injures the right side of her neck, the fatal wound appears on the left side.
• Naevia may have African heritage, possibly of Berber or Sub-Saharan origin, alongside her potential Phoenician ancestry.
• She claims to have been born in the Ludus, indicating she might have been a slave all her life.
• As a Verna, Naevia would have been a "homegrown" slave born in the master's household, often considered more like family.
• She was referred to as an Amanuensis (personal body-slave) and Ancilla (maidservant).
• Slaves sent to the mines were known as Damnati ad Metellum.
• Naevia’s name may come from the Roman Gens Naevia or be a Latin rendering of the Semitic name Neviyah, which means "prophetess" in Hebrew and Phoenician.