Spartacus: The Third Servile War

The War of Spartacus otherwise known as the “Third Servile War” was the last of the three great wars, known as the Roman Servile Wars. These wars involved unsuccessful rebellions, which consisted of slaves, and supporters fighting against the mighty Roman Empire. The Third Servile war began in 73 BCE and came to its dramatic conclusion 71 BCE. This war was the only one of the Roman Servile wars, which aimed directly for the heartland of Rome itself. Throughout the course of the war, the belligerents gained formidable support from thousands of other slave rebels, led by the fearsome gladiator warriors Spartacus, Crixus, and Oenomaus.

Ancient Rome is known for many things. It’s art, its rich culture and most of all its immensely popular gladiator games. Slavery played a very

Varinius followed him towards Lucania, were he found the rebels in fighting possession. However Varinius once again faced insubordination and many of his soldiers refused to advance and fled. The Roman praetor although badly mauled during the battle, escaped but all his assets were seized by Spartacus thus adding to further Roman humiliation. Thus captured in the ensuing battled were forced to fight each other as they once had the gladiators themselves or crucified just as romans would do to slaves captured by Romans.

Spartacus must have realized that victories so far have been against a hastily put force of roman soldiers. History tells that ‘The Senate wisely realized that this rebellion was not just a mere collection of fugitive slaves, but a fairly cohesive unit, inspired by freedom and the chance for plunder. In the coming year of 72 BC, the senate recognized Spartacus' rebellion as the 'Third Servile War' and prepared Consular armies to end it.” The rebel army had yet to face the experienced Roman war veterans of the wars in Spain, Gaul, and Germany.

Third Servile War and the fall of the Great