Gaius Claudius Glaber

Gaius Claudius Glaber is a Roman commander who first holds the rank of Legatus before being promoted to Praetor. He is married to Ilithyia, the favored daughter of Senator Albinius, who supports his ambitions both politically and emotionally. She takes a personal role in ensuring that Glaber’s greatest enemy, Spartacus, endures as much suffering as possible.

Glaber serves as the main antagonist of Spartacus: Vengeance and is a personal nemesis to Spartacus in the first season, as he is responsible for enslaving both the Thracian and his wife, Sura.

Names	Gaius Claudius Glaber
Gender	Male ♂
Race	Human
Occupation	Roman Commander, Legatus, Praetor
Origin	Spartacus: Blood and Sand Episode 1: "Past Transgressions" (January 22, 2010)
Alignment	Evil
Age	30s
Created By	Steven S, DeKnight
Height	178 cm (5ft 10in)
Weight	83kg (183 lbs)
Personality Type	ESTJ, 8w7 (Enneagram)
Portrayed By	Craig Parker

Appearance

Glaber is of average height, with short black hair and blue eyes. He is typically seen wearing armor in the style of his legionaries, though he also dons robes befitting his noble status. His physique is athletic and muscular, reflecting his combat training as a Roman soldier. He demonstrates proficiency with a sword, showcasing his skill in professional Roman combat.

Personality

Like many Roman patricians, Glaber is power-hungry and holds contempt for those of lower social standing, such as Batiatus, whom he openly belittles. His self-interest often overrides personal relationships, as seen when he abandons Ilithyia to the mercy of the House of Batiatus, treating her almost as a bargaining piece. He also mocks Mercato for incompetence and is widely disliked among his peers. Albinius disapproves of him, while noble rivals like Seppius and Varinius hold open hostility toward him. Figures such as Varis and Cossutius show little regard for Glaber, and the Senate grows increasingly dissatisfied with his failure to eliminate Spartacus. However, he maintains favorable relations with his Tribune Marcus and Magistrate Gallienus.

Glaber’s reputation among the Roman elite is tainted by rumors of his conduct on the front lines, including pillaging, rape, and indiscriminate slaughter. Despite occasional displays of affection toward Ilithyia, he is quick to discard her when she threatens his political standing.

His hatred for Spartacus runs deep, as he blames him for his disgrace. By defying Glaber’s command and inciting a mutiny after the Romans abandoned the Thracian villages, Spartacus became the symbol of his failure. This obsession drives Glaber to use dishonorable tactics, such as hiring mercenaries and crucifying innocents—actions that even the Senate disapproves of. Over time, he fully embraces his own brutality, shifting all blame onto Spartacus for his moral decay and ruthless decisions.

Biography

Blood and Sand

Legatus Glaber first appears addressing a gathering of Thracians, offering them Roman aid against the barbarian Getae in exchange for their service in the Auxiliary against the forces of Mithridates. Most of the Thracians dismiss his offer, except for Spartacus, who insists that the Romans must exterminate the Getae—"all of them." Glaber solemnly agrees.

Midway through the campaign, Glaber receives an unexpected visit from his wife, Ilithyia, despite Roman law forbidding women in military camps. When two Thracian scouts, including one of Glaber's allies, report a sudden shift in the Getae's position westward, Glaber abandons his previous commitment and instead redirects his forces toward Mithridates, breaking his oath to the Thracians.

When he orders them to follow his new command, his Thracian ally is the first to defy him, sparking a fight. Amid the chaos, Glaber is thrown from his horse and left unconscious. Facing a summons back to Rome for losing the auxiliary forces, an enraged Glaber personally hunts down the Thracian responsible for the mutiny—Spartacus. He captures Spartacus and his wife, Sura, ordering her to be sold into slavery while he transports the Thracian and several of his comrades to Capua for execution ad gladium. Glaber hopes that by presenting this offering, he can reclaim his honor and, more importantly, secure the favor of his father-in-law, Senator Albinius.

In the arena, five of the six Thracian captives are swiftly killed, but one—Glaber’s former ally—defies the odds, surviving even against four trained gladiators. Infuriated, Glaber demands the Thracian’s immediate execution but relents when Quintus Lentulus Batiatus offers to purchase him as a gladiator, renaming him Spartacus. Before departing for Rome to pursue his senatorial ambitions, Glaber visits Spartacus one final time, taunting him in his cell.

Glaber later returns to Capua to investigate the disappearance of Licinia, the cousin of the wealthy Marcus Licinius Crassus. He scoffs at Batiatus’ attempts to court his favor and meets with Mercato to discuss the matter, though the meeting proves fruitless. Frustrated, he is greeted by Ilithyia, who assures him she made no promises to Batiatus and Lucretia beyond relaying their request for patronage. She urges him to indulge Batiatus, given the popularity of his gladiators in Capua. The two reconcile and make love after coming to a mutual understanding.

Glaber and Ilithyia visit Batiatus' ludus, where he reluctantly considers the offer of patronage but remains unmoved by Batiatus’ words. He requests to see all the gladiators, leading to a fateful reunion with Spartacus. Glaber mocks him for becoming the Champion of Capua and demands a demonstration of his skills. Spartacus, armed with practice swords, faces off against Glaber's elite soldiers, defeating them one by one—first Iovis, then Vesper and Linus, and finally four other Romans. Though impressed by Spartacus' prowess, Glaber is more intrigued by how Batiatus appears to have broken his once-rebellious spirit.

Before granting patronage, Glaber orders Spartacus to kneel before him. When the champion obeys, Glaber is visibly pleased. However, just as the moment seems to be in his favor, Crixus attacks Ashur, prompting Glaber to withdraw his offer, citing Batiatus' inability to control his gladiators. As he and Ilithyia prepare to leave for Rome, an enraged Batiatus demands his patronage, further angering Glaber.

At that moment, Ashur is summoned and presents the severed hand of Licinia. Horrified, Glaber demands an explanation, only for Batiatus to reveal, with a grin, that Ilithyia was responsible for the murder. He assures Glaber that he was willing to keep the matter buried but warns that if patronage is not granted, Licinia’s body will resurface, with all evidence implicating both Glaber and Ilithyia. Ilithyia attempts to deny the accusation, but as she meets Glaber’s gaze, her expression betrays her guilt. In a fit of rage, Glaber strikes her aside.

Realizing he has no choice, Glaber begrudgingly grants Batiatus his patronage, leaving Ilithyia in his care along with a contingent of Roman soldiers. With his position secured—albeit at a humiliating cost—Glaber departs once more for Rome.

Vengenance

Six weeks after the Massacre at the House of Batiatus, Glaber has ascended to the rank of Praetor of the Republic. Seated with his friend Marcus, he discusses the possibility of assembling a Legion to suppress the rebellion in Hispania, believing that Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus will fail in the effort. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Glaber’s father-in-law, Senator Albinius, along with his fellow Praetor, Publius Varinius—a man for whom Glaber harbors particular disdain. Albinius informs Glaber that he is being dispatched to Capua to crush Spartacus. Initially refusing, Glaber is ultimately forced to accept the command when his status is threatened.

He informs Ilithyia, now with child, of his new assignment and insists that she accompany him. She protests, but Glaber reminds her that they are entangled with Batiatus and his ludus to conceal the murder of Licinia—her doing. Despite her reluctance, he remains unmoved.

Upon arriving in Capua, Glaber takes over Batiatus’ ludus as his base of operations. When Mercato arrives to discuss strategy, Glaber dismisses him, stating that he prefers to speak with the Magistrate. Ilithyia, enraged at being forced to stay in the ludus rather than their villa in the city, protests, but Glaber refuses to yield.

The situation takes an unexpected turn when a seemingly deranged Lucretia appears, terrifying Ilithyia into hysterics. Acting on the advice of Marcus, Glaber seizes the opportunity and stages a public address in the market square of Capua. He presents Lucretia as a divine omen from the gods—an elaborate ruse designed to bolster morale. He also reveals a captured survivor of the House of Batiatus, Aurelia, claiming she is the last of a group of rebels his men tracked down.

However, his speech is cut short when Spartacus himself emerges from the crowd, engaging Glaber in direct combat. Before either can strike a decisive blow, more Roman soldiers arrive, as do Spartacus' rebels, igniting chaos in the square. The rebels retreat before additional forces can be summoned.

Following the attack, Glaber and Marcus discuss the need to reinforce their ranks. However, a young Capuan noble, Seppius—an ally of Varinius—controls the mercenaries stationed around Capua. Marcus arranges a meeting, but Glaber and Seppius immediately clash, failing to reach any agreement.

Undeterred, Glaber continues to elevate Lucretia’s status as a prophetess, despite Ilithyia’s warnings not to trust her. Unexpected support arrives in the form of Ashur, who brings a captive Oenomaus—the former Doctore of the House of Batiatus. Remembering how Ashur once coerced him into granting patronage to Batiatus, Glaber views him with contempt. To test his loyalty, he orders Ashur to cut off his mark of the brotherhood, which Ashur does without hesitation. When Ashur uncovers Spartacus' next destination, Glaber dispatches Marcus and Ashur to ambush him at the mines.

As Glaber becomes consumed with capturing Spartacus, his relationship with Ilithyia deteriorates further. The soldiers return, having failed to capture Spartacus but bringing back three rebels: Crixus, Rhaskos, and Acer. Furious that Spartacus continues to evade him, Glaber seethes at the setback.

To lift spirits, Glaber hosts a lavish party at the ludus for Capua’s nobility, using the event to showcase his captives. He presents the three Gauls, along with Oenomaus, intending for Varinius—whom he loathes—to execute them. Instead, Varinius insults Glaber by refusing, decreeing that the captives will face execution in the arena. Only Acer is spared from this fate, chosen instead for torture.

Ashur soon returns with the remaining soldiers who had pursued Spartacus, revealing that Marcus was killed in the chase. Enraged by his friend's death and suspicious of Ashur, Glaber orders him to be executed alongside the captives.

Unbeknownst to Glaber, his wife, father-in-law, and rival conspire against him, creating further discord. Seeking counsel from Lucretia, he reconsiders Ashur’s execution and releases him. Through Lucretia, Ashur informs Glaber of Ilithyia’s plans to abort his child and end their marriage. Confronting her, he demands the truth, and she confirms it.

With nothing left between them, Glaber solemnly asks, "Is there nothing left between us?" Ilithyia offers no answer. Accepting their marriage is beyond repair, they depart together for the executions at the arena—husband and wife for the last time.

During the preliminary matches, Glaber seethes with resentment as those around him condescend and patronize him, fueling his already growing anger. As the games continue, Spartacus and his rebels launch a surprise attack on the arena, seeking to free their captured comrades. Amidst the chaos and destruction, Glaber locks eyes with Spartacus, who hurls a spear directly at him. Though Glaber narrowly dodges, the spear grazes his cheek and fatally impales Cossutius. As the arena collapses around them, Albinius declares that Glaber’s political career is finished, shoving him aside in disdain.

As Glaber flees, he finds his father-in-law injured and, in an act of vengeance for his past slights and conspiracies against him, coldly murders Albinius. Later, he confesses the act to Ilithyia, who collapses in tears—whether for her father’s death or the realization that she is now trapped in a marriage she cannot escape remains unclear. Glaber notes her reaction but shows only contempt, keeping her alive solely because their unborn child bears his name.

Seeking to rebuild his forces, Glaber appoints Salvius as his new second-in-command. Ashur, recognizing the limitations of Roman soldiers against gladiators, convinces Glaber that elite warriors are needed. To prove his point, he challenges and defeats Salvius and two other soldiers in combat. Impressed, Glaber elevates Ashur to his right hand and tasks him with recruiting the most ruthless fighters capable of crushing the rebellion.

Glaber once again approaches Seppius for an alliance, but their conflict persists, as Seppius remains loyal to Varinius. Ashur soon returns with a formidable group of warriors, and alongside Glaber, they launch an assault on Seppius’ household, massacring everyone. To conceal their involvement, they stage the slaughter as an uprising in Spartacus’ name, with Glaber personally executing Seppius.

In a calculated move to spite Ilithyia, Glaber invites Seppius’ younger sister, Seppia, to stay at the ludus. He also assumes command over Seppius’ militia, now led by Octavius Tarsus, strengthening his forces. Asserting his newfound dominance, he publicly crucifies one of Ilithyia’s slaves in the market square and declares that any slave caught speaking Spartacus’ name will suffer the same fate.

Glaber then orders Ashur to locate Gannicus and bring him to the villa. Recognizing Gannicus’ ability to sway crowds during the execution games, he offers him a place in his ranks in exchange for his rudis, which was recovered from the ruined arena. Gannicus refuses, but Glaber allows him to leave with the rudis, declaring that his fate is his own. However, after Gannicus departs, Glaber instructs Ashur to have him followed and ensures that should he attempt to flee Capua, he will be crucified.

That night, Lucretia and Ilithyia orchestrate an event that convinces Glaber his unborn child is at risk if Ilithyia remains in Capua. Deciding to send her to Rome for her safety, Glaber heavily guards her caravan. As they bid farewell, he follows Ashur’s counsel and keeps Lucretia in Capua, unaware of the deeper schemes at play.

Soon afterward, Seppia arrives in Glaber's chambers. Initially confused by her presence, he watches as she removes her gown, their eyes locked in a silent understanding before they kiss and make love. Their encounter is abruptly interrupted by Salvius, who brings urgent news: Ilithyia has been kidnapped by Gannicus. The rebel warrior ambushed the heavily guarded wagon, slaughtering all Roman guards, including Ashur’s spy.

At the villa, Glaber considers his next move, though his concerns are more political than personal. Despite Ilithyia’s absence, his relationship with Seppia intensifies, and they frequently share his bed. Before long, Lucius arrives with an offer from Spartacus—Ilithyia will be returned in exchange for a fully stocked wagon of supplies and weapons. The deal dictates that each side may only bring three men, and Spartacus warns that if any reinforcements are spotted, he will not appear. Despite protests from Ashur and Seppia, Glaber accepts the terms.

Glaber travels to the marketplace with Salvius and Tarsus to meet Spartacus. The two exchange words before the trade begins, but it is revealed to be a trap. Ashur and his mercenaries ambush the rebels, and in the ensuing chaos, Glaber grapples with Spartacus but is overpowered. Salvius and Tarsus intervene, saving Glaber's life, and signal for reinforcements. However, the ambush fails as Lucius and Mira rain arrows down on the Roman forces, killing Tarsus and wounding Glaber with an arrow to the chest. Left with no choice, Glaber orders a retreat.

Back at the villa, Glaber nurses his wound when Lucretia confronts him, questioning why he was so willing to risk Ilithyia’s life. Enraged, Glaber declares that he would sacrifice anything to see Spartacus dead, even Ilithyia. He coldly states that he will mourn her passing and soon after indulges in another tryst with Seppia. However, Lucretia discreetly sows the seeds of vengeance by revealing to Seppia that it was Glaber who orchestrated her brother’s murder, leaving her deeply shaken.

Meanwhile, Spartacus ultimately releases Ilithyia, telling her that Glaber harbors no love for her. When she returns to the villa, she finds her husband engaged in reluctant intimacy with Seppia. Overcome, Ilithyia collapses into the pool, unconscious. A shocked Glaber calls for a medicus, and when Ilithyia awakens, she finds herself in a hastily prepared bedroom. Glaber interrogates her about Spartacus’ whereabouts, but she turns the question on him—demanding to know why he no longer loves her. With cold detachment, Glaber calls himself a monster forged by necessity and reminds her of the answer she gave him before Varinius’ games, leaving her to reflect on their fractured marriage.

Varinius arrives at Glaber’s villa, delivering an unwelcome message: the Senate has lost patience with Glaber’s prolonged pursuit of Spartacus and now orders him to step down. Glaber, in disbelief, insists that Spartacus is within his grasp and inadvertently confirms the rebel leader's location on Mount Vesuvius. Seizing the opportunity, Varinius declares that he will personally lead the campaign against Spartacus. Before departing, he advises Glaber to obey if he wishes to regain favor in the Senate.

Later, as Glaber bathes, he discusses Varinius and Seppius with Seppia. Consumed by vengeance, Seppia expresses her distrust of Varinius, believing he will not avenge her brother’s murder. Without warning, she smashes a wine jar over Glaber’s head, sending him staggering into the pool’s edge. Just as she prepares to stab him, Ilithyia intervenes from behind, forcing Seppia’s own blade into her torso before slitting her throat. Blood sprays across Glaber and into the water as Seppia’s lifeless body collapses into the pool. A stunned and bloodied Glaber questions Ilithyia’s actions, reminding her of the love they once shared. Ilithyia, now fully embracing her own darkness, replies that they are both monsters and must act accordingly. The two then make love, with Seppia’s corpse floating behind them.

Following Varinius’ failed assault on Mount Vesuvius, Glaber launches his own attack on Spartacus and his men at the temple. As the rebels interrogate Varinius, Glaber unleashes his ultimate weapon—the Roman catapult. A barrage of flaming boulders rains down, decimating the rebels and killing Varinius in the process. With the temple overrun, Spartacus and his surviving men retreat to Mount Vesuvius. Watching the rebels take the high ground, Glaber acknowledges their advantage. When Ashur asks if he will allow them to escape, Glaber coldly responds, "No. I will let them feast on mud and rock, and when hunger and madness drive them from their perch, we shall kill them all."

While in the temple, Glaber is visited by Ilithyia. Now reunited in both passion and ambition, they embrace and discuss their next move. Ilithyia persuades Glaber to attack Spartacus the following day. She also reveals that Ashur was the one who manipulated Seppia into attempting to kill him. Glaber acknowledges Ashur’s cunning but declares that "the oracle must go as well," instructing Ilithyia to eliminate Lucretia.

With his final move in place, Glaber sends Ashur on a suicide mission to prove his loyalty. When Ashur’s severed head is delivered to him, Glaber readies himself for battle, preparing to face Spartacus in a final confrontation.

As Spartacus, Agron, Crixus, and Gannicus descend from Mount Vesuvius using vines, they ambush Glaber’s forces by seizing control of the Roman catapults. Glaber and his men rush to face the four rebel leaders, and after locking eyes with Spartacus one last time, Glaber orders his soldiers to attack. However, the Romans are quickly outmaneuvered when the rest of the rebel army launches a surprise assault from behind, igniting a brutal battle. Despite Glaber’s efforts, cutting down many rebels in combat, he soon realizes that the battle is lost and orders a retreat.

Fleeing to the temple with his remaining men, Glaber is pursued by Spartacus and his warriors. As the battle rages on, Spartacus avenges Mira’s death by killing Salvius before finally confronting Glaber in a one-on-one duel. Though Glaber fights ferociously, nearly overpowering Spartacus with sheer rage, Spartacus counters his strikes and declares, “I am a free man.” With that, he drives his sword into Glaber’s stomach, forcing him to his knees. Addressing his army, Spartacus proclaims, “The Roman finally learns his place before us—on his knees.”

Enraged and defiant, Glaber curses Spartacus, warning that his death will only bring more Roman legions and that Spartacus will eventually meet his downfall. Unmoved, Spartacus replies, “Perhaps. Yet it is not this night.” He then delivers the final blow, driving his sword down Glaber’s throat, leaving the praetor to choke on his own blood.

Legacy

In War of the Damned, Glaber's failures serve as a cautionary tale, often cited by Marcus Licinius Crassus and Julius Caesar as an example of Roman arrogance and underestimation of Spartacus' strategic prowess.

Historicity

The historical Gaius Claudius Glaber is largely unknown, with only a few confirmed details about his life. He was one of eight elected praetors in 73 BC, meaning he was at least 39 years old and of plebeian status. His only recorded military action was leading a militia force to suppress Spartacus’ revolt, which ended in his defeat. After this failure, he vanishes from historical records, suggesting he either perished in battle or withdrew from public life in disgrace.

Powers and Statistics

Tier: 9-B

Powers and Abilities: Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Expert Swordsman,

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: Sword

Intelligence: Average

Weaknesses: None Notable

Trivia

• The show primarily refers to him as Claudius rather than Gaius, which is his given name. The name "Claudius" implies a connection to the powerful Gens Claudia, a patrician family traced back to a Sabine nobleman named Attius Clausus, who later became Appius Claudius Sabinus Inregillensis in Rome.
• As a praetor, Glaber held imperium (military command) and would have had a security detail of six lictors.
• In Enemies of Rome, he is acknowledged as the only Roman commander to have nearly defeated Spartacus, though this was before Spartacus had built a full army. Glaber's defeat foreshadowed Rome's initial struggles against the rebellion.
• Glaber is the thirteenth main character killed in the series.
• His depiction closely resembles Marcus Glabrus from the 1960 Spartacus film by Stanley Kubrick.
• In Libertus, dialogue suggests that one of Glaber's ancestors lost the first battle of the Second Punic War in Italy (Battle of Trebia), possibly linking him to Tiberius Sempronius Longus. However, Longus later achieved victories, including defeating a Carthaginian force led by Hannibal’s brother, Hanno, in 215 BC.