Varro (Spartacus)

Varro is a gladiator in the House of Batiatus during Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Once a free Roman citizen, he voluntarily enters Batiatus’ ludus to repay his overwhelming gambling debts. Despite starting as a common recruit, he quickly proves himself, rising to become one of the more formidable gladiators. He is the devoted husband of Aurelia, the father of Janus, and a loyal friend to Spartacus.

Names	Varro
Gender	Male ♂
Race	Human
Occupation	Gladiator
Origin	Spartacus: Blood and Sand Episode 2: "Sacramentum Gladiatorum" (January 29, 2010)
Alignment	Good
Age	20s
Created By	Steven S, DeKnight
Height	185 cm (6ft 1in)
Weight	89kg (198 lbs)
Personality Type	ESFP, 6w7 (Enneagram)
Portrayed By	Jai Courtney

Appearance

Varro is easily recognizable among the gladiators due to his short, curly blond hair. His friendly demeanor and open, boyish face set him apart, making him seem more approachable than his fellow warriors. Even before undergoing rigorous training in Batiatus’ ludus, he possessed a highly muscular build.

Personality

Varro is one of the kindest and most honorable gladiators in the ludus. Unlike many others, he chooses this life willingly, determined to pay off his debts honorably rather than flee Capua in disgrace. He sends his winnings to support his wife, Aurelia, and their son, Janus, showing his deep commitment to his family.

Despite his gentle nature, Varro is lively and spirited, often engaging in friendly sparring matches with Spartacus, with whom he shares a strong bond. His optimism and loyalty make him a rare source of warmth in the brutal world of the gladiatorial arena.

Biography

Blood and Sand

Spartacus and Varro enter Batiatus’ ludus together as part of the same group, where they are met with either indifference or outright contempt from the veteran gladiators. On their first day of training, they strike up a conversation over lunch, and Varro quickly comes to believe that Spartacus is good company.

The next day, when they are denied food, Spartacus shares the bread given to him by Ashur with Varro. In return, Varro opens up about his past, revealing that he voluntarily submitted himself to Batiatus in order to repay his debts, with his primary goal being to provide for his wife and child.

During the night of the test, Varro is pitted against Gnaeus. He fights with determination, applying his newly learned skills to the best of his ability. After a grueling match, the fight ends in a draw. Impressed by his potential, Batiatus declares that Varro has passed the test. He is welcomed into the Brotherhood and, after witnessing Spartacus’ success, takes the gladiator vows, receiving the Mark of the Brotherhood and officially becoming a true gladiator.

Varro frequently trains alongside Spartacus, strengthening their bond as they spar and share conversations. During a noonday meal, he tells Spartacus the story of how Barca became a legend in the arena, much to Spartacus’ skepticism. Later, he and Kerza recount the legend of Theokoles, the undefeated Shadow of Death, further immersing Spartacus in the brutal world of gladiatorial combat.

Doctore announces that a new set of games will soon commence, stating that those who prove themselves in combat will earn a position. Spartacus, curious about the matchups, questions who will be chosen for the Primus. Varro confidently states that Crixus is the obvious choice and that anyone facing him is doomed to lose.

Later, Varro questions Spartacus' true motives, wondering what the Thracian hopes to gain. Spartacus insists that he has no interest in glory or coin. During a training session, Spartacus speaks out of turn, resulting in both him and Varro being thrown into The Hole—the cesspool of the ludus. Frustrated, Varro scolds Spartacus for his reckless outburst and presses him further on his intentions. Spartacus finally reveals that if he continues to succeed in the arena, Batiatus has promised to find and return his wife. Varro, in turn, reflects on his own situation and asks if she is worth it. Spartacus replies without hesitation that she is worth everything. Varro smiles, remarking that his own wife is as well. This shared devotion to their loved ones cements their growing bond into a true friendship.

Later, while in the baths, Varro watches as Spartacus uses his water rations to clean a piece of cloth, questioning his reasoning. As they talk, Doctore and Ashur arrive to announce the matchups for the upcoming games. Crixus and Gnaeus are set to fight in the Primus, while the rest of the gladiators learn their positions. Spartacus and Varro discover that they will be fighting each other in the opening match, as the lowest-ranked competitors.

Eager for another chance to face Crixus, Spartacus remains confident, citing their first fight during the test as proof of his ability to win. Varro, however, reminds him that Spartacus’ victory was only due to a piece of cloth and warns that Crixus is a seasoned warrior and a dangerous opponent. Ashur, overhearing their conversation, joins in. Despite his personal hatred for Crixus, he agrees with Varro and recounts the story of how Crixus single-handedly defeated the infamous Gargan Twins, cementing his reputation as a true legend of the arena. Even with this grim warning, Spartacus remains skeptical, unconvinced by mere stories.

Spartacus, eager to prove himself and secure Sura’s return, attempts to manipulate the standings to fight Crixus in the Primus, despite Varro’s warnings. He is impatient, unwilling to wait for his chance, and refuses to accept any delay in his goal. However, he also expresses reluctance to fight Varro, stating that while there are many in the Ludus he wishes dead, Varro is not among them. Varro remains pragmatic, hoping that the gods allow them both to survive their upcoming match, but he warns that Spartacus may not have a choice in the matter. Spartacus, however, insists that there is always a choice.

Determined to shift the standings, Spartacus goads Gnaeus into a fit of aggression, resulting in Gnaeus suffering an injury. When Doctore investigates, Varro supports Spartacus’ version of events, leading to both of them avoiding any punishment.

The night before the games, the gladiators are presented in the villa for the Roman nobility to observe. As Varro and Spartacus talk quietly, Varro is suddenly taken by Lucretia and Ilithyia for a "service"—to engage in public intercourse with a slave for the entertainment of the guests. Though he performs the act, Varro is visibly uncomfortable, silently begging his wife’s forgiveness. Ilithyia, aroused by the spectacle, demands he repeat the act, and he complies begrudgingly.

After completing his task, Varro returns to the main hall. As he moves to stand beside Spartacus, he overhears Batiatus and Doctore discussing the Primus, revealing that Rabanus is set to replace the injured Gnaeus. He relays this information to Spartacus, who reacts by attacking Crixus in front of the assembled guests. The spectacle immediately captivates the audience, who admire both warriors. Seizing the opportunity, Batiatus alters the matchups, announcing that Spartacus will face Crixus in the Primus instead. Spartacus and Varro exchange a knowing smile at the unexpected turn of events.

During the games, Varro successfully wins his first battle in the arena and offers his support to Spartacus. He watches as Spartacus is ultimately bested by Crixus but is relieved that his friend survives the brutal contest.

Varro watches with growing concern as Spartacus is condemned to fight in The Pits, a brutal and lawless arena that he regretfully knows all too well. The experience takes a severe toll on Spartacus, pushing him into both physical and mental instability. Even within the Ludus, the other gladiators begin to sense his growing bloodlust. When Hamilcar attempts to intimidate Spartacus, Varro steps in to defend his friend, forcing the Sardinian to back down. Despite his efforts, he is unable to pull Spartacus back from the brink. Eventually, Spartacus regains his sense of self and returns to the Brotherhood, where he and Varro reunite as gladiators once again.

When Spartacus and Crixus are chosen to fight the legendary Theokoles, Varro is deeply concerned for his friend’s survival but remains supportive. He watches the battle unfold in awe and cheers as Spartacus emerges victorious. As rain falls over the arena, he joins in the celebration, overjoyed at the momentous occasion.

Varro is proud when Spartacus ascends to the rank of Champion, standing by his friend in his newfound status.

Hoping to reconnect with his family, Varro sends Ashur to deliver a message. However, instead of a reply, Ashur arranges for Aurelia and their son to visit him in person. Overcome with joy, Varro embraces his wife and son, cherishing the reunion. Their happiness is short-lived when Aurelia reveals she is pregnant with the child of a man named Titus, who had provided her shelter in Varro’s absence. Feeling betrayed, Varro refuses to listen when she insists she was raped. He angrily withdraws his financial support and, in his despair, even squanders his earnings on a slave girl.

Spartacus, still mourning his own loss, intervenes and helps Varro see reason. He wins money from Varro in a bet, only to return it, reminding him of his love for his family. After some time, Aurelia returns, and Varro finally forgives her, vowing to support her and the unborn child. His renewed sense of purpose is shattered when he attempts to send another letter and receives news that blood was found in his home.

In a fit of rage, Varro attacks Ashur, blaming him for whatever has happened. He is quickly subdued and placed in solitary confinement. Spartacus urges him to think of where his family might have fled if they were in danger. Upon his release, Varro learns that Spartacus has sent Mira, a house slave, to locate them.

Shortly after, he and Spartacus fight together in the arena, defeating a massive gladiator in combat. Upon returning to the Ludus, Varro is finally reunited with Aurelia, who reveals that Titus had come for her but that she fought him off and managed to escape.

That night, Spartacus is requested to participate in an exhibition match at Numerius' birthday celebration. Originally, he is set to face Crixus, but after Numerius is seduced by Ilithyia—who seeks to torment Spartacus—he changes his choice of opponent to Varro instead. The duel unfolds before a gathering of high-ranking citizens, including Numerius and his father, Calavius. The two gladiators appear evenly matched, with Varro even managing to wound Spartacus slightly. However, Spartacus eventually gains the upper hand, and Varro, playing along, falls to his knees in a lighthearted manner.

With his sword to Varro’s throat, Spartacus turns to Numerius for the final judgment, expecting a merciful decision. To his and everyone’s shock, Numerius gives the thumbs down—ordering Varro’s execution. Spartacus hesitates, struggling with the cruel command. Batiatus, sensing the gravity of the moment, attempts to intervene, reminding Calavius that the fight was intended as an exhibition, not a battle to the death. However, Calavius, amused by his son's newfound bloodlust, insists that his will be carried out.

Batiatus, though horrified, is bound by his ambitions and subtly signals Spartacus to comply. Spartacus remains frozen, unwilling to deliver the killing blow. As guards prepare to intervene, Varro—realizing there is no way out—urges Spartacus to act so they are not both slain. In a final act of friendship, he pulls Spartacus' blade into his own body, telling him to live and ensure his family is cared for, just as he would have done. Spartacus, heartbroken, reluctantly drives the sword deeper, killing Varro.

The next day, Aurelia and her son take Varro’s body from the Ludus in a sorrowful farewell. Spartacus, consumed by grief and regret, is left devastated, reduced to tears over the loss of his closest friend.

Varro later appears in Spartacus' hallucinations, brought on by an infected wound he sustained during their sparring match. In this fevered vision, Varro cryptically urges Spartacus to "tend the wound." It is through this hallucination—featuring both Varro and Sura—that Spartacus uncovers the truth about what truly happened to his wife, ultimately reclaiming his sense of purpose.

Legacy

In Vengeance, Aurelia continues to grieve Varro’s death alongside Spartacus. Before dying, her final wish is for the rebellion to stay far from what remains of her family to prevent them from suffering the same fate.

In War of the Damned, Spartacus honors Varro's memory by mentioning his name during Crixus' funeral pyre, alongside all the other deceased rebels.

Powers and Statistics

Tier: 9-B

Powers and Abilities: Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Expert Swordsman, Adept in Unarmed Combat, High Pain Tolerance, Indomitable Will

Attack Potency: Wall level (Comparable to Spartacus)

Speed: Peak Human

Lifting Strength: Unknown

Striking Strength: Wall level

Durability: Wall level

Stamina: High

Range: Standard Melee Range

Standard Equipment: Shield and Sword

Intelligence: Average

Weaknesses: None Notable

Trivia

• After earning the mark of the Brotherhood, Varro gains more respect from the other gladiators than anyone else in his recruitment class, even earning recognition from Crixus.
• Varro's shield features an eel design, which he is seen using in the episode Party Favors during his arena fight. Crixus has an octopus design on his shield, and Agron has a crab design, making all three bear sea creature motifs.
• Varro primarily fights in the Murmillo style, as seen throughout his training and arena battles.
• When his body is sent away from the Ludus, his pallbearers are Spartacus, Rabanus, Rhaskos, and Hamilcar.
• In the novel Spartacus: Swords and Ashes, for the primus of the Funeral Games of Marcus Pelorus, Varro chooses to fight with the spear, shield, and helm of the Hoplomachus. He is also seen training with Spartacus in this style in the episode Party Favors.
• Varro was the first and only known Roman man to become a gladiator or a slave by choice to pay off his debt. After his death, his wife becomes the only known Roman woman to place herself in servitude to continue paying her husband's debt.
• Varro, along with Crixus, is among the first gladiators or male slaves to be sexually exploited or abused by the Romans. However, chronologically, such abuse occurs earlier in the prequel season.
• Varro is the only male character to verbally apologize for his (unwilling) infidelity, although not directly to his wife. He is also the only married male character to express guilt and reluctance about sleeping with a woman who is not his wife, making him unique among male Romans.
• Despite this, Varro initially displays patriarchal pride, as seen when he reacts angrily upon learning his wife was impregnated by her rapist. However, he later realizes his mistake and reconciles with her.
• Varro was the third main character to die.
• Steven S. DeKnight revealed in an interview that the writers initially planned for Varro to die in Mark of the Brotherhood, but due to strong fan reception and Andy Whitfield's persuasion, his death was delayed by two episodes.
• Varro’s death received significant backlash from fans.
• In Latin, "Varro" means "durable" or "strong."
• As a native of Campania, Varro may be a descendant of the Samnites, former opponents of Roman rule in southern Italy. He could also be a member of the plebeian gens Terentia.
• Varro is one of the few Romans to become a true ally to Spartacus, along with Aurelia, Lucius, Attius, and Laeta. However, unlike the others, Varro is Spartacus' first true friend since enslavement and dies before the rebellion begins.
• The Roman legal term for a free man who sold himself into slavery due to debt was Nexus or "debt slave," with Nexum being the contract that bound them. Although Nexum was abolished by the Lex Poetelia Papiria in 323 BCE, various Italian Socii states may have continued the practice. Debt slaves (Nexi) were held in bondage by their creditors, known as Obaerati. In Varro’s case, Batiatus was his Obaeratus. Since Varro willingly entered debt slavery, he did not receive the official mark of the Brotherhood, distinguishing him from those who were actual slaves.