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==Introduction==__NOTOC__[[File:673px-Roman Legionaries-MGR Lyon-IMG 1050.jpg |thumbnail|250px|left|Roman legionaries 1st century BCE]] One of the best-known figures in antiquity was Spartacus. His brilliance as a military tactician and strategist was recognized even by his enemies. He was a gladiator and the leader of the last great slave revolt to shake the Roman Empire (73-71 BCE). His revolt uprising was crushed , and he Pompey and his followers were annihilated by the Crassus's combined armies of Pompey annihilated both him and Crassushis followers. The defeat of Spartacus and his followers was complete , but there is some argument over the legacy of the slave revolt. To many ancient historians’ historians, the revolt rebellion of 73-71 BCE was a complete failure. However Howe, there are those who believe that despite the military defeat of Spartacus , some believe that his revolt changed the Roman Empire. It led to the rise of Crassus and the devastation of much of southern Italy. This article will argue that Spartacus’ revolt rebellion succeeded in changing the Romans ' perception of slaves that led to improvements in the lives and status of slaves and a move away from slavery, especially in landed estates.  ====Slavery====Slavery was widespread in the Roman world. It seems that a significant proportion of the population were slaves. The institution of slavery had a legal status in the Roman law , and any slave was the property of their owner's property. The owners had immense power over their ‘property’ and had the power of controlled life and death over them. Slaves were Their masters exploited by their masters slaves in every conceivable way. Many , but many slaves were also released by their masters and became ‘freedmen’. They were born and died in that conditionfreedmen. The role of slaves varied in Roman society , and they worked as domestic servants, agricultural workers, miners , and even artisans. Many slaves were educated and worked as administrators or as teachers. Their numbers had greatly expanded during the 2nd and 1st -century BCE. <ref> Appian, The Civil wars (Penguin Classics; New Ed edition, London, 1996), p<i>[https://www.amazon. 12<com/gp/product/0140445099/ref>. This was because the Romans enslaved many of the peoples that they had conquered in the Mediterranean. This led to a great increase in the numbers of slaves in Rome and Italy=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0140445099&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=2b92b7cc100dd5442a529a512340b570 The Civil wars]</i> (Penguin Classics; New Ed edition, London, 1996), p. Large numbers 12</ref>  The number of them worked on large landed estates slaves grew as agricultural laborersRome conquered various kingdoms in the Mediterranean. There were significant populations of Rome often took slaves in from the South armies that they conquered. These wars led to an increase in the number of slaves in Rome and Italy and Sicily <ref> Holland, Tom. The Rubicon (Longman, London, 2005), pLarge numbers of them worked on large landed estates as agricultural laborers. There were significant populations of slaves in the South of Italy and Sicily. 23</ref>Holland, Tom. Because of their large numbers the Romans could use many as gladiators<i>[https://www. The Romans ensured the obedience of their slaves by brutal and draconian measuresamazon. However, this had not prevented two Servile Wars in Sicily in 135 BC and in 140 BC. These involved the escape of thousands of slaves who fought the Romans and devastated large areas of the Sicilian countryside com/gp/product/1400078970/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400078970&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=6f7e30d2b25a455f29d02ab14cfd48d5 The Rubicon]<ref/i> Holland(Longman, London, 2005), p. 1323</ref>. [[File: 024px-Detail Because of Gladiator mosaictheir large numbers, a Thraex (left) fighting a Murmillo (right), Römerhalle, Bad Kreuznach, Germany (8196070427)the Romans also used many of them as gladiators.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Two gladiators from a mosaic]]==Third Servile War==Spartacus was a Thracian The Romans ensured the obedience of their slaves with brutal and he had once draconian measures. However, these measures failed to prevent two Servile Wars in Sicily in 135 BC and140 BC. This war involved thousands of escaped slaves who fought with the Romans. According to Plutarch, he was enslaved by them after he had deserted and because his great strength and skills he was trained as a gladiator in 73BC he plotted to escape from his gladiatorial school, near Capua in southern Italy and was joined in the conspiracy and devastated large areas of the Sicilian countryside <ref> Holland, p. 13</ref>. ====Third Servile War====[[File: Tod des Spartacus by up to 100 other gladiators <ref> PlutarchHermann Vogel. Life jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|A 19th-century illustration of Crassusthe death of Spartacus]] Spartacus was a Thracian, v </ref>and he had once fought with the Romans. The plot According to Plutarch, he was discovered and only some 50 gladiators escapedenslaved by them after he had deserted. The escapees elected Spartacus He was trained as a gladiator but due to his strength and Crixus a Gaul as their leaders<ref> Shawcombat skater.  In 73BC, Brenthe plotted an escape from his gladiatorial school near Capua in southern Italy. Spartacus and He was joined in the Slave Wars: a brief history with documents (London, Palgrave-MacMillan,2001), p 111 conspiracy by up to 100 other gladiators.</ref>Plutarch. Spartacus emerged as the leader of the slaves but other commanders were also important and it seems that the Thracian was first among equals. He and his men established a <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018U5O552/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius in the south =1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018U5O552&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d166e75084f232112d2cccbbbdfccecf Life of Italy Crassus]<ref/i> Plutarch, The Life of Crassus. Viiv </ref>.  The Romans sent two armed expeditions to subdue plot was discovered, and only 50 of the ex-gladiators to end the rebellionescaped. The ex-gladiators who by now have been joined by other escaped slaves were a formidable forceescapees elected Spartacus and Crixus a Gaul as their leaders. Under the leadership of Spartacus<ref> Shaw, they managed to defeat both Roman expeditionsBrent. The rebels were fortunate and many Roman legions were engaged in the War against Mithridates <ref> Shaw, p<i>[https://www.amazon. 56<com/gp/product/0312183100/ref>. Their success against =as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312183100&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d67bc798efd524fa4f08bc1fa5ff510b Spartacus and the two Roman forces led to even more slaves joining their ranks. Slave Wars: A Brief History with Documents]</I> (London, Palgrave-MacMillan,2001), p 111 </ref> There is speculation that Spartacus emerged as the leader of the slaves split into two groups, one commanded by but other commanders were essential to the revolt. Spartacus and his men established a camp on the other by Crixus. In 72 BCE, the slaves defeated a force slopes of praetorian guards under Mount Vesuvius in the command south of two consulsItaly. This caused panic in Rome and many expected Spartacus to march on the city with his army of ex-slaves<ref> Plutarch, <i>[https://www. Instead Spartacus marched to the south, possibly in the search for lootamazon. When they did march towards Roman again they defeated another Roman forcecom/gp/product/B018U5O552/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018U5O552&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d166e75084f232112d2cccbbbdfccecf The Life of Crassus]</i>. Crassus, one of the leading figures in Rome and probably Vii</ref>  The Romans sent two armed expeditions to subdue the richest offered his service to ex-gladiators and end the Senaterebellion. He raised some legions and advanced upon The ex-gladiators who by now have been joined by other escaped slaves were a formidable force. Under the leadership of Spartacus and his rebel army<ref> Shaw, pthey managed to defeat both Roman expeditions. 71The rebels were fortunate because many Roman legions were engaged in the war against Mithridates.<ref> Shaw, p. 56</ref>. Crassus was a shrewd tactician and he engaged Their success against the slaves in several small encounters which he won. He two Roman forces Spartacus led to retreat further south, into the ‘Toe’ of Italyeven more slaves joining their ranks. The former slaves  There is some speculation that the slaves split into two groups, one commanded by 71 BC were encamped Spartacus and the other by the Strait of MessinaCrixus. Plutarch states that Spartacus planned to ferry his army to Sicily In 72 BCE, the slaves defeated a force of praetorian guards under the command of two consuls. However This defeat caused panic in Rome, he was unable and many expected Spartacus to secure march on the necessary ships<ref> Plutarch, The Life of Crassus. Vii</ref>city. The Thracian ordered his army  Instead, Spartacus marched to the south to turn back north but as search for loot. When they made their way did march towards Roman again, they were met by defeated another Roman force. Crassus and his legions. The Romans had built a series , one of fortifications Rome's leading figures and they had effectively confined Spartacus probably the richest, offered his service to a small area, with dwindling suppliesthe Senate. He raised several legions and advanced upon Spartacus and his rebel army.<ref> PlutarchShaw, The Life of Crassusp. Vii71</ref>. Spartacus tried to reach an agreement with  Crassus was a shrewd tactician, and he engaged the Romansslaves in several small encounters, which he won. Crassus was eager for battle as Pompey was approaching with his legions. Crassus ordered a general attack and after fierce fighting He forces Spartacus to retreat further south, into the army ‘Toe’ of Spartacus broke and fledItaly. The remnants By 71 BC, the former were encamped by the Strait of the Messina. Plutarch states that Spartacus planned to ferry his army made a last stand at to Sicily. However, he was unable to secure the River Selenecessary ships.<ref> Plutarch, The Life <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018U5O552/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018U5O552&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d166e75084f232112d2cccbbbdfccecf The Life of Crassus]</i>. Vii</ref>. Crassus attacked the slaves  Spartacus ordered his army to turn back north, but as they made their way, Crassus and annihilated his legions met them and it is believed that Spartacus died in this battle. The Romans later crucified some ‘six thousand slaves on the main road had built a series of fortifications, and they had effectively confined Spartacus to Rome’a small area with dwindling supplies.<ref> AppianPlutarch, p. 114<i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018U5O552/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018U5O552&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d166e75084f232112d2cccbbbdfccecf The Life of Crassus]</i>. This Vii</ref>  Spartacus tried to reach an agreement with the Romans, but Crassus was to deter future slave revoltseager for battle. Pompey At the Great mopped up some of the stragglers from the battle same time, Pompey was also approaching with his legions. Crassus ordered a general attack, and tried to claim after fierce fighting, the credit for the defeat army of Spartacus<refbroke and fled. The army's remnants made a last stand at the River Sele.<ref> Plutarch, The Life of Pompey, iiiCrassus. Vii</ref>Crassus attacked the slaves and demolished them. [[File: Tod des It is believed that Spartacus by Hermann Vogeldied in this battle.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A 19th century illustration of The Romans later crucified some ‘six thousand slaves on the death of Spartacus]]==The rise of Crassus==The defeat of Spartacus was largely a result of the leadership of Crassusmain road to Rome. His strategy was to contain Spartacus and then weaken him by defeating elements of his army’<ref> <i>Appian</i>, p. He 114</ref> This was able to restrict the Thracian deter future slave revolts. Pompey the Great mopped up some of the stragglers from the battle and his forces tried to a small area before forcing them into a decisive battleclaim the credit for Spartacus' defeat. Unlike other, Roman commanders he did not underestimate the Thracian and this was key <re<ref>StraussPlutarch, Barry[https://www.amazon. The Spartacus War (London, Simon com/gp/product/B018TX5F18/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018TX5F18&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20& SchusterlinkId=004592aa58fc4b584a24ccf64fdb947e Life of Pompey], 2009)iii</ref>. In the aftermath of the defeat and death of Spartacus, the leadership  <dh-ad/> ====The rise of Crassus was widely praised====[[File: 512px-Fedor Bronnikov 002. Previously, jpg|250px|thumb|left|A 19th century painting of Crassus had been influential in Roman public life on account execution of his vast wealth<ref> Plutarch, Spartacus ex-slaves]] The Life of Crassus. Vii</ref>. After his role in the defeat of Spartacus many hailed him as was largely a result of the saviour leadership of Rome and became popular with many. This allowed him Crassus. His strategy was to become consul contain Spartacus and later to establish then weaken him by defeating elements of his army. He could restrict the First Triumvirate with Caesar Thracian and Pompey, his forces to a political arrangement that dominated Rome for several years and was small area before forcing them into a crucial step in the fall of the decisive battle. Unlike other Roman Republiccommanders, he did not underestimate the Thracian, and this was essential. <ref> PlutarchStrauss, The Life of Caesar, iiiBarry. </refi>. [[Filehttps: 512px-Fedor Bronnikov 002//www.amazon.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A 19th century painting of Crassus execution of Spartacus ex-slaves]]com/gp/product/1416532064/ref=as_li_tl?ie=Impact on RomeUTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416532064&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=f72cd7ef29a3ba2e7265dbe4adf57a7f The Third Servile Spartacus War as it was known was the largest slave revolt in the ancient world. It seemed at one time that Spartacus could bring ]</i> (London, Simon & Schuster, 2009)</ref>  In the Roman Republic to its knees. The war devastated much aftermath of southern Italy the defeat and many towns and landed estates were destroyeddeath of Spartacus, the leadership of Crassus was widely praised. Many slaves Previously, Crassus had been freed or escaped and many local herdsmen had joined the insurrection. It took many years for the South influential in Roman public life on account of Italy to recover and banditry became endemichis vast wealth. <ref>Plutarch, <i>The revolt by Spartacus even if it was defeated possibly helped to undermine the system Life of landed estates that had dominated much of the Italian countrysideCrassus<ref/i> Plutarch, The Life of Crassus. ViiiVii</ref>After his role in Spartacus' defeat, many hailed him as Rome's savior and became famous. In  This popularity allowed him to become consul and later establish the wake of the revolt many landowners in the south of Italy were bankrupt or had their properties destroyedFirst Triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey. The latifunda system as it First Triumvirate was a political arrangement that dominated Rome for several years and was known a crucial step in the south fall of Italy was underminedthe Roman Republic. It appears that in the wake of the revolt that many landlords adopted a new strategy <ref> ShawPlutarch, p. 116</refi>. The years after Spartacus coincided with a sharp fall in the slave population. It seems that instead of using slaves that they instead rented out portions of their land and in return received rent and a share of Life of Caesar</i>, iii</ref> ====Impact on Rome====[[File: 622px-Ancient bronze greek helmet -South Italy.jpg|thumbnail|250px|left|A Gladiator’s helmet c 2nd century BCE]] As it was known at the time, the crops grown. This was a system that Third Servile War was similar to the feudal system in medieval Europe. While there were many estates that used largest slave labor, they began to decrease revolt in numberthe ancient world. It seems seemed at one time that Spartacus could bring the revolt by Spartacus had so shaken the confidence of the Roman elite that they turned Roman Republic to new strategies for controlling their laborits knees. Spartacus The war devastated much of southern Italy, and his men had shown that slaves made an unreliable many towns and even a dangerous labour force <ref>Matyszak, p 114</ref>landed estates were destroyed. They were rebellious at the best of time Many slaves had been freed or escaped, and parties searching for escaped slaves were a common sight in many Italian districtslocal herdsmen had joined the rebellion. This persuaded  It took many in years for the elite South of Italy to move away from slave labour recover, and this led banditry became endemic. Even if it was defeated, the revolt by Spartacus possibly helped to undermine the emerge system of a semi-feudal system in many areas landed estates that had dominated much of Italythe Italian countryside. This ultimately may have led to an overall fall in the number <ref>Plutarch, <i>The Life of slaves which had grown dramatically in Crassus</i>. Viii</ref> In the previous decades. It should be noted that some historians disagree with this assessment. However, wake of the revolt of Spartacus did not undermine , many landowners in the institution south of slavery and Italy were bankrupt or had their properties destroyed. The latifunda system, as it continued to flourish until was known in the fall south of Italy, was undermined. It appears that in the wake of Rome the revolt that many landlords adopted a new strategy.<ref>BradleyShaw, Keithp. Slavery and Rebellion 116</ref>  The years after Spartacus coincided with a sharp fall in the Roman World (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1989), pslave population. 156 </ref>. == Perceptions Instead of using slaves, landowners instead rented out portions of their land and received rent and a share of Slavery==It has been argued that Spartacus revolt changed the way crops grown in return. This was a system that was similar to the Romans viewed slaveryfeudal system in medieval Europe. In While many estates used slave labor, they gradually reduced the Roman histories, there is certainly a great deal number of respect and even admiration for the Thracianslaves. Plutarch stated that Spartacus was a gifted leader and general and compared him favourably to 's revolt had shaken the Roman generals he facedelite's confidence that they turned to new strategies for controlling their labor. There are later writers who argue Spartacus and his men had shown that the revolt of Spartacus led to long-term attitudes to slavery in Roman societyslaves made an unreliable and even dangerous labor force. <ref>Matyszak, p 114</ref> After  They were rebellious at the end best of the Third Servile Wartimes, there were to be no more great slave revoltsand parties searching for escaped slaves were a common sight in many Italian districts. It has been argued that This persuaded the Roman elite were so shaken by to move away from slave labor, which led to the revolt emergence of 73a semi-71 BC that they had a new view of slavesfeudal system in many Italian areas. They were more inclined This may have led to see them as beings endowed with reason and a soul <ref>Bradley, Keith. Slavery and Rebellion an overall fall in the number of slaves grown dramatically in the Roman World (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1989), pprevious decades. 156 </ref>It should be noted that some historians disagree with this assessment. In However, the person revolt of Spartacus, they encountered a person with all did not undermine the virtues that they admired in men. This led them institution of slavery, and it continued to reconsider their view flourish until the fall of slaves as a classRome. It is impossible to state with any degree of certainty if Spartacus changed the Roman elite’s views of their slaves<ref>Bradley, Keith. It seems unlikely, this can be seen in their pleasure <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0253211697/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0253211697&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=93a9cd5def40a41a687b38624d6d4cae Slavery and Rebellion in the gladiatorial games and the fact that most slaves were still treated as objects. However, it is undeniable that the revolt by Spartacus was the last of the great Servile Wars <ref> Bradley, p 117<Roman World]</refi>(Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1989), p. This is even though many more slaves were imported into Rome from Gaul and elsewhere in 156 </ref> ==== Perceptions of Slavery====Spartacus's revolt changed the way that the following decadesRomans viewed slavery. There is certainly a real possibility that the success great deal of respect and even admiration for the Thracian gladiator and his many victories so impressed the Romans in Roman histories. Plutarch stated that they adopted Spartacus was a new strategy gifted leader and general and compared him favorably to prevent future insurrectionsthe Roman generals he faced. There was a conscious effort by Some later writers argued that the elite revolt of Spartacus led to treat their slaves long-term shifts in a more humane way to prevent a repeat Roman society's view of Spartacus revolt <ref> Bradley, 189</ref>. slavery. ==Conclusion==The revolt by Spartacus is one After the end of the most well-known events in the ancient worldThird Servile War, there were no more great slave revolts. It was in many ways a decisive defeat and slavery remained very common in its aftermath. However, has been argued that the revolt was very important in of 73-71 BC so shook the history Roman elite that they adopted a new view of Romeslaves. It led They were more inclined to instability see them as beings endowed with reason and economic contraction in southern Italy and in politics it led to the rise of Crassusa soul. It seems that the revolt did manage to change the way that masters treated their slaves<ref>Bradley, Keith. The revolt demonstrated that slaves could be dangerous and the person of Spartacus showed that they could be the equals of the Romans<i>[https://www.amazon. This changed the view of many com/gp/product/0253211697/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0253211697&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=93a9cd5def40a41a687b38624d6d4cae Slavery and they began to treat their slaves with more compassion to prevent another slave insurrectionRebellion in the Roman World]</i> (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1989), p. The revolt of 73-71 BCE may even have led in 156</ref> With Spartacus, they encountered someone with all the longer-term to changes virtues that they admired in the legal system that gave some rights men. It is impossible to slaves. The devastation caused by state with any degree of certainty if Spartacus changed the ex-Roman elite’s views of their slaves and gladiators in southern Italy led to a temporary slave shortage and this led to a move away from slave labor on landed estates to an early form . However, it is undeniable that the revolt by Spartacus was the last of feudalismthe great Servile Wars. The significance of this was that it may have led to a reduction <ref>Bradley, p 117</ref> Rome avoided future wars even though many more slaves were imported into Rome from Gaul and elsewhere in the slave numbers in many regionsfollowing decades. There is a real possibility that the Thracian gladiator's success and his many victories so impressed the Romans that they adopted a new strategy to prevent future insurrections. There was a conscious effort by the elite to treat their slaves in a more humane way to prevent a repeat of the Spartacus revolt.<ref>Bradley, 189</ref> ====References==Conclusion====The revolt by Spartacus is one of the most well-known events in the ancient world. It was in many ways a decisive defeat, and slavery remained very common in its aftermath. However, the revolt was significant in the history of Rome. It led to instability and economic contraction in southern Italy and politics. It led to the rise of Crassus. The revolt may have even managed to change the way that masters treated their slaves.  The revolt demonstrated that slaves could be dangerous, and Spartacus showed that they could be the Romans' equals. Some elite members were encouraged to treat their slaves with more compassion to prevent another slave insurrection.  The revolt of 73-71 BCE may even have led in the longer-term to changes in the legal system that gave some rights to slaves. The devastation caused by the ex-slaves and gladiators in southern Italy led to a temporary slave shortage. This led to a move away from slave labor on landed estates to an early form of feudalism. The significance of this was that it might have reduced the slave numbers in many regions. ====References====<references/>[[Category:Wikis]][[Category:Roman History]] [[Category:Military History]]{{Contributors}} Updated January 19, 2019