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AER-50 - Spartacus | John Jenkins Designs
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AER-50 – Spartacus | John Jenkins Designs
The Third Servile War (73–71 BC), also known as the Gladiators' War, was one of the most significant slave uprisings in the history of the Roman Republic. At the centre of this rebellion stood Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator whose leadership would challenge the military power of Rome.
Little is known about Spartacus' early life. It is believed that he may have served in the Roman army before deserting and becoming involved in bandit raids. Eventually captured and sold into slavery, he was forced to train as a gladiator.
In 73 BC, Spartacus escaped from a gladiatorial training school at Capua alongside approximately 70 other gladiators. The fugitives sought refuge on Mount Vesuvius, where they were joined by escaped slaves who were subsequently trained in basic combat skills.
Alongside fellow leaders Crixus and Oenamus, Spartacus organised the growing rebel army. Initially, Rome underestimated the uprising and failed to commit its strongest military forces against the rebels.
Spartacus and his followers defeated the first four Roman forces sent against them, encouraging thousands of additional slaves to join the rebellion. At its height, the rebel army is believed to have numbered between 90,000 and 120,000 people.
Spartacus reportedly hoped to lead his followers across the Alps, placing distance between themselves and Roman authority so they could find freedom. However, disagreements among the rebel leaders eventually divided the army.
Crixus departed with approximately 30,000 followers, who were subsequently defeated by Roman forces.
After several further victories, Spartacus unexpectedly turned south rather than crossing the Alps. Alarmed by the continuing rebellion, Rome placed a new army under the command of Marcus Licinius Crassus.
Following a prolonged campaign, the rebel army was finally defeated near the headwaters of the Siler River in southern Italy in 71 BC. Spartacus was killed during the fighting, although his body was never recovered.
In the aftermath of the rebellion, approximately 6,000 captured slaves were crucified as a warning against future uprisings.
Despite his defeat, Spartacus became an enduring symbol of resistance against oppression, inspiring numerous books, films and television productions.
AER-50 – Spartacus by John Jenkins Designs is a two-piece set representing the legendary Thracian gladiator and leader of the Third Servile War.
Part of the John Jenkins Designs The Ancients – Armies and Enemies of Ancient Rome collection, this set makes a distinctive addition to displays depicting the turbulent final century of the Roman Republic..
Now available from The Military Workshop
Brand: John Jenkins
