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TV Program Spartacus Is Most Recent Repackaging Of Classic Story
The recent TV show Spartacus: Blood and Sand is the latest of many works focusing on the career of the historical Roman slave and gladiator of that name. Although not much is really known about Spartacus beyond the role he played in the “Third Servile War”, a major slave rebellion against the Romans, his struggle has been inspirational to oppressed peoples and to literary writers since ancient times.
Because of its graphic violence, this program reaches an audience primarily composed of teenagers, particularly boys. For those who want action with a bit less violence, Caprica reaches a similar audience demographic.
Historians agree that Spartacus came from Thrace, a region in the Balkans, and a part of the Roman Empire at that time. He had been made into a slave of the Romans, but as he seemed to possess some military experience, he was sent to gladiator training school, in Capua in Italy, run by Lentulus Batiatus.
In 73 BC Spartacus organized an escape attempt from the school. The escape was betrayed, but Spartacus and his companions were able to arm themselves with kitchen implements, and fight their way out. During their escape they captured a great deal of weaponry and armor intended for the use of the gladiators. Spartacus and his force then defeated a small detachment of Roman troops, and retreated to the slopes of Mount Vesuvius where they set up defensive positions.
Over the next two years the rebel force increased to about 70,000. Spartacus was an able and successful leader, and he defeated several Roman forces which were sent against him.
Eventually the Roman Senate had to bring in their big guns to end the revolt, and they ordered Marcus Licinius Crassus, who was the richest man in Rome, to crush the rebels. Crassus had a force of eight legions, about 40,000 fully trained soldiers. Eventually, and with great brutality, Crassus was able to crush the rebellion. It is thought that Spartacus was killed in one of the final battles.
The story of Spartacus has been the subject of numerous literary works including poems, novels and movies. It has also been an inspiration to enslaved peoples and revolutionary leaders throughout history.
The most well known film of Spartacus is the 1960 production by Stanley Kubrick. Kirk Douglas took the lead role and the “I am Spartacus” scene has been reprised and/or parodied by many other movies.
Most recently the Spartacus story is retold in the TV show Spartacus: Blood and Sand. This was first shown in January 2010. The first series covers the events up to the start of the revolt. Andy Whitfield plays Spartacus. The start of the second series has unfortunately been delayed due to Whitfield’s serious illness, but is now provisionally scheduled for September 2011. If you missed the first season, you may wish to buy the first season as a Spartacus DVD
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