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==Introduction==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 was crushed and he and his followers were annihilated by the combined armies of Pompey and Crassus. 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’ the revolt of 73-71 BCE was a complete failure. However, there are those who believe that despite the military defeat of Spartacus 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 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. The owners had immense power over their ‘property’ and had the power of life and death over them. Slaves were exploited by their masters in every conceivable way. Many slaves were released by their masters and became ‘freedmen’. They were born and died in that condition. 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. 12</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. Large numbers of them worked on large landed estates as agricultural laborers. There were significant populations of slaves in the South of Italy and Sicily <ref> Holland, Tom. The Rubicon (Longman, London, 2005), p. 23</ref>. Because of their large numbers, the Romans could use many as gladiators. The Romans ensured the obedience of their slaves by brutal and draconian measures. 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 <ref> Holland, p. 13</ref>. __NOTOC__[[File:1024px673px-Roman Legionaries-MGR Lyon-Detail of Gladiator mosaic,a Thraex (left) fighting a Murmillo (right),Römerhalle, Bad Kreuznach, Germany (8196070427)IMG 1050.jpg|200pxthumbnail|thumb250px|left|Two gladiators from a mosaicRoman legionaries 1st century BCE]]

==Third Servile War==Spartacus was a Thracian and he had once fought with One of 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 best-known figures in 73BC he plotted to escape from his gladiatorial school, near Capua in southern Italy and antiquity was joined in the conspiracy by up to 100 other gladiators <ref> PlutarchSpartacus. Life of Crassus, v </ref>. The plot was discovered and only some 50 gladiators escaped. The escapees elected Spartacus and Crixus a Gaul His brilliance as their leaders<ref> Shaw, Brent. Spartacus and the Slave Wars: a brief history with documents (London, Palgrave-MacMillan,2001), p 111 </ref>. Spartacus emerged as the leader of the slaves but other commanders were also important military tactician and it seems that the Thracian strategist was first among equals. He and his men established a camp on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius in the south of Italy <ref> Plutarch, The Life of Crassus. Vii</ref>. The Romans sent two armed expeditions to subdue the ex-gladiators to end the rebellion. The ex-gladiators who by now have been joined by other escaped slaves were a formidable force. Under the leadership of Spartacus, they managed to defeat both Roman expeditions. The rebels were fortunate and many Roman legions were engaged in the War against Mithridates <ref> Shaw, p. 56</ref>. Their success against the two Roman forces led to recognized even more slaves joining their ranks. There is speculation that the slaves split into two groups, one commanded by Spartacus and the other by Crixus. In 72 BCE, the slaves defeated a force of praetorian guards under the command of two consuls. This caused panic in Rome and many expected Spartacus to march on the city with his army of ex-slaves. Instead Spartacus marched to the south, possibly in the search for lootenemies. When they did march towards Roman again they defeated another Roman force. Crassus, one of the leading figures in Rome and probably the richest offered his service to the Senate. He raised some legions and advanced upon Spartacus and his rebel army<ref> Shaw, p. 71</ref>. Crassus was a shrewd tactician gladiator and he engaged the slaves in several small encounters which he won. He forces Spartacus last great slave revolt to retreat further south, into shake the ‘Toe’ of Italy. The former slaves by Roman Empire (73-71 BC were encamped by the Strait of MessinaBCE). Plutarch states that Spartacus planned to ferry his army to Sicily. However, he His uprising was unable to secure the necessary ships<ref> Plutarchcrushed, The Life of Crassus. Vii</ref>. The Thracian ordered his army to turn back north but as they made their way they were met by Crassus and his legions. The Romans had built a series of fortifications and they had effectively confined Spartacus to a small area, with dwindling supplies<ref> Plutarch, The Life of Crassus. Vii</ref>. Spartacus tried to reach an agreement with the Romans. Crassus was eager for battle as Pompey was approaching with his legions. Crassus ordered a general attack and after fierce fighting the army of Spartacus broke and fled. The remnants of the army made a last stand at the River Sele<ref> Plutarch, The Life of Crassus. Vii</ref>. Crassus attacked the slaves and 's combined armies annihilated them both him and it is believed that Spartacus died in this battlehis followers. The Romans later crucified some ‘six thousand slaves on the main road to Rome’<ref> Appian, p. 114</ref>. This was to deter future slave revolts. Pompey the Great mopped up some of the stragglers from the battle and tried to claim the credit for the defeat of Spartacus<ref> Plutarch, Life of Pompey, iii</ref>. [[File: Tod des Spartacus by Hermann Vogel.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A 19th century illustration of the death of Spartacus]]==The rise of Crassus==The defeat of Spartacus was largely a result of the leadership of Crassus. His strategy was to contain Spartacus and then weaken him by defeating elements of his army. He followers was able to restrict the Thracian and his forces to a small area before forcing them into a decisive battle. Unlike othercomplete, Roman commanders he did not underestimate but there is some argument over the Thracian and this was key <re>Strauss, Barry. The Spartacus War (London, Simon & Schuster, 2009)</ref>. In the aftermath legacy of the defeat and death of Spartacus, the leadership of Crassus was widely praisedslave revolt. Previously, Crassus had been influential in Roman public life on account of his vast wealth<ref> PlutarchTo many ancient historians, The Life of Crassus. Vii</ref>. After his role in the defeat rebellion of Spartacus many hailed him as the saviour of Rome and became popular with many. This allowed him to become consul and later to establish the First Triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey, a political arrangement that dominated Rome for several years and 73-71 BCE was a crucial step in the fall of the Roman Republic<ref> Plutarch, The Life of Caesar, iii</ref>. [[File: 512px-Fedor Bronnikov 002complete failure.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A 19th century painting of Crassus execution of Spartacus ex-slaves]]

==Impact on Rome==The Third Servile War as it was known was Howe, despite the largest slave military defeat of Spartacus, some believe that his revolt in changed the ancient worldRoman Empire. It seemed at one time that Spartacus could bring led to the Roman Republic to its knees. The war devastated much rise of Crassus and the devastation of much of southern Italy and many towns and landed estates were destroyed. Many This article will argue that Spartacus’ rebellion succeeded in changing the Romans' perception of slaves had been freed or escaped that led to improvements in the lives and many local herdsmen had joined the insurrection. It took many years for the South status of Italy to recover slaves and banditry became endemic. The revolt by Spartacus even if it was defeated possibly helped to undermine the system of a move away from slavery, especially in landed estates that had dominated much .  ====Slavery====Slavery was widespread in the Roman world. It seems that a significant proportion of the Italian countryside<ref> Plutarch, population were slaves. The Life institution of Crassusslavery had legal status in Roman law, and any slave was their owner's property. Viii</ref>The owners had immense power over their ‘property’ and controlled life and death over them. In the wake of the revolt Their masters exploited slaves in every conceivable way, but many landowners in the south of Italy slaves were bankrupt or had also released by their properties destroyedmasters and became freedmen. The latifunda system as it was known in the south role of Italy was undermined. It appears that slaves varied in the wake of the revolt that many landlords adopted a new strategy <ref> ShawRoman society, and they worked as domestic servants, agricultural workers, miners, pand even artisans. 116</ref>Many slaves were educated and worked as administrators or as teachers. The years after Spartacus coincided with a sharp fall in Their numbers had greatly expanded during the slave population2nd and 1st-century BCE. 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 the crops grown<ref>Appian, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140445099/ref=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. This was a system that was similar to 12</ref>  The number of slaves grew as Rome conquered various kingdoms in the feudal system in medieval EuropeMediterranean. While there were many estates Rome often took slaves from the armies that used slave labor, they began conquered. These wars led to decrease an increase in the numberof slaves in Rome and Italy. It seems that Large numbers of them worked on large landed estates as agricultural laborers. There were significant populations of slaves in the revolt by Spartacus had so shaken the confidence South of the Roman elite that they turned to new strategies for controlling their labor. Spartacus and his men had shown that slaves made an unreliable and even a dangerous labour force Italy and Sicily.<ref>MatyszakHolland, p 114Tom. <i>[https://www.amazon.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]</i>(Longman, London, 2005), p. They were rebellious at 23</ref>  Because of their large numbers, the best Romans also used many of time and parties searching for escaped them as gladiators. The Romans ensured the obedience of their slaves were a common sight with brutal and draconian measures. However, these measures failed to prevent two Servile Wars in Sicily in many Italian districts135 BC and140 BC. This persuaded many in war involved thousands of escaped slaves who fought the elite to move away from slave labour Romans and this led to the emerge of a semi-feudal system in many devastated large areas of Italythe Sicilian countryside <ref> Holland, p. 13</ref>. This ultimately may have led to an overall fall in the number  ====Third Servile War====[[File: Tod des Spartacus by Hermann Vogel.jpg|300px|thumbnail|left|A 19th-century illustration of slaves which had grown dramatically in the previous decades. It should be noted that some historians disagree death of Spartacus]] Spartacus was a Thracian, and he had once fought with this assessmentthe Romans. HoweverAccording to Plutarch, the revolt of Spartacus did not undermine the institution of slavery he was enslaved by them after he had deserted. He was trained as a gladiator but due to his strength and it continued to flourish until the fall of Rome <ref>Bradleycombat skater.  In 73BC, Keithhe plotted an escape from his gladiatorial school near Capua in southern Italy. Slavery and Rebellion He was joined in the Roman World (Bloomingtonconspiracy by up to 100 other gladiators.<ref> Plutarch. <i>[https: Indiana University Press, 1989), p//www.amazon. 156 <com/gp/product/B018U5O552/ref>. =as_li_tl?ie= Perceptions of SlaveryUTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018U5O552&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d166e75084f232112d2cccbbbdfccecf Life of Crassus]</i>, v </ref> It has been argued that Spartacus revolt changed The plot was discovered, and only 50 of the way that the Romans viewed slaverygladiators escaped. In the Roman histories, there is certainly The escapees elected Spartacus and Crixus a great deal of respect and even admiration for the ThracianGaul as their leaders.<ref> Shaw, Brent. Plutarch stated that Spartacus was a gifted leader and general <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312183100/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312183100&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d67bc798efd524fa4f08bc1fa5ff510b Spartacus and compared him favourably to the Roman generals he faced. There are later writers who argue that Slave Wars: A Brief History with Documents]</I> (London, Palgrave-MacMillan,2001), p 111 </ref> Spartacus emerged as the revolt leader of Spartacus led the slaves, but other commanders were essential to long-term attitudes to slavery in Roman societythe revolt. After Spartacus and his men established a camp on the end slopes of Mount Vesuvius in the Third Servile Warsouth of Italy.<ref> Plutarch, there were to be no more great slave revolts<i>[https://www.amazon. It has been argued that the Roman elite were so shaken by the revolt 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 73-71 BC that they had a new view of slavesCrassus]</i>. They were more inclined Vii</ref>  The Romans sent two armed expeditions to see them as beings endowed with reason subdue the ex-gladiators and a soul <ref>Bradley, Keithend the rebellion. Slavery and Rebellion in The ex-gladiators who by now have been joined by other escaped slaves were a formidable force. Under the leadership of Spartacus, they managed to defeat both Roman World (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1989), pexpeditions. 156 The rebels were fortunate because many Roman legions were engaged in the war against Mithridates.<ref> Shaw, p. 56</ref>. In Their success against the person of Spartacus, they two Roman forces led to even more slaves joining their ranks. encountered a person with all  There is some speculation that the slaves split into two groups, one commanded by Spartacus and the other by Crixus. In 72 BCE, the virtues that they admired in men. This led them to reconsider their view of slaves as defeated a classforce of praetorian guards under the command of two consuls. It is impossible This defeat caused panic in Rome, and many expected Spartacus to state with any degree of certainty if Spartacus changed march on the Roman elite’s views of their slavescity. It seems unlikely  Instead, this can be seen in their pleasure in Spartacus marched to the gladiatorial games and the fact that most slaves were still treated as objectssouth to search for loot. HoweverWhen they did march towards Roman again, it is undeniable that the revolt by Spartacus was the last they defeated another Roman force. Crassus, one of Rome's leading figures and probably the great Servile Wars <ref> Bradleyrichest, p 117offered his service to the Senate. He raised several legions and advanced upon Spartacus and his rebel army.<ref>Shaw, p. 71</ref>. This is even though many more slaves were imported into Rome from Gaul  Crassus was a shrewd tactician, and elsewhere he engaged the slaves in several small encounters, which he won. He forces Spartacus to retreat further south, into the following decades‘Toe’ of Italy. There is a real possibility that By 71 BC, the former were encamped by the success Strait of the Thracian gladiator and Messina. Plutarch states that Spartacus planned to ferry his many victories so impressed army to Sicily. However, he was unable to secure the Romans that they adopted a new strategy to prevent future insurrectionsnecessary ships. There was a conscious effort by the elite to treat their slaves in a more humane way to prevent a repeat of Spartacus revolt <ref> Bradley, 189<<ref>Plutarch, <i>[https://ref>www.amazon. com/gp/product/B018U5O552/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=ConclusionB018U5O552&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d166e75084f232112d2cccbbbdfccecf The revolt by Spartacus is one Life of the most well-known events in the ancient worldCrassus]</i>. Vii</ref>  Spartacus ordered his army to turn back north, but as they made their way, Crassus and his legions met them. It was in many ways The Romans had built a decisive defeat series of fortifications, and slavery remained very common in its aftermaththey had effectively confined Spartacus to a small area with dwindling supplies. However, the revolt was very important in the history of Rome<ref> Plutarch, <i>[https://www.amazon. It led to instability and economic contraction in southern Italy and in politics it led to the rise 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>. It seems that the revolt did manage Vii</ref>  Spartacus tried to change reach an agreement with the way that masters treated their slavesRomans, but Crassus was eager for battle. The revolt demonstrated that slaves could be dangerous At the same time, Pompey was also approaching with his legions. Crassus ordered a general attack, and after fierce fighting, the person army of Spartacus showed that they could be broke and fled. The army's remnants made a last stand at the equals River Sele.<ref> Plutarch, The Life of the RomansCrassus. This changed Vii</ref> Crassus attacked the view of many slaves and they began to treat their demolished them. It is believed that Spartacus died in this battle. The Romans later crucified some ‘six thousand slaves with more compassion on the main road to prevent another slave insurrectionRome. The revolt ’<ref> <i>Appian</i>, p. 114</ref> This was to deter future slave revolts. Pompey the Great mopped up some of 73-71 BCE may even have led in the longer-term stragglers from the battle and tried to changes in claim the legal system that gave some rights to slavescredit for Spartacus' defeat. The devastation caused by the ex<ref> Plutarch, [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018TX5F18/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018TX5F18&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-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 of feudalism. The significance of this was that it may have led to a reduction in the slave numbers in many regions.20&linkId=004592aa58fc4b584a24ccf64fdb947e Life of Pompey], iii</ref> <dh-ad/> ====The rise of Crassus====[[File: 512px-Fedor Bronnikov 002.jpg|250px|thumb|left|A 19th century painting of Crassus execution of Spartacus ex-slaves]] The defeat of Spartacus was largely a result of the leadership of Crassus. His strategy was to contain Spartacus and then weaken him by defeating elements of his army. He could restrict the Thracian and his forces to a small area before forcing them into a decisive battle. Unlike other Roman commanders, he did not underestimate the Thracian, and this was essential. <ref>Strauss, Barry. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416532064/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416532064&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=f72cd7ef29a3ba2e7265dbe4adf57a7f The Spartacus War]</i> (London, Simon & Schuster, 2009)</ref>  In the aftermath of the defeat and death of Spartacus, the leadership of Crassus was widely praised. Previously, Crassus had been influential in Roman public life on account of his vast wealth.<ref>Plutarch, <i>The Life of Crassus</i>. Vii</ref> After his role in Spartacus' defeat, many hailed him as Rome's savior and became famous.  This popularity allowed him to become consul and later establish the First Triumvirate with Caesar and Pompey. The First Triumvirate was a political arrangement that dominated Rome for several years and was a crucial step in the fall of the Roman Republic.<ref> Plutarch, <i>The 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 Third Servile War was the largest slave revolt in the ancient world. It seemed at one time that Spartacus could bring the Roman Republic to its knees. The war devastated much of southern Italy, and many towns and landed estates were destroyed. Many slaves had been freed or escaped, and many local herdsmen had joined the rebellion.  It took many years for the South of Italy to recover, and banditry became endemic. Even if it was defeated, the revolt by Spartacus possibly helped to undermine the system of landed estates that had dominated much of the Italian countryside.<ref>Plutarch, <i>The Life of Crassus</i>. Viii</ref> In the wake of the revolt, many landowners in the south of Italy were bankrupt or had their properties destroyed. The latifunda system, as it was known in the south of Italy, was undermined. It appears that in the wake of the revolt that many landlords adopted a new strategy.<ref>Shaw, p. 116</ref>  The years after Spartacus coincided with a sharp fall in the slave population. Instead of using slaves, landowners instead rented out portions of their land and received rent and a share of the crops grown in return. This was a system that was similar to the feudal system in medieval Europe. While many estates used slave labor, they gradually reduced the number of slaves. Spartacus's revolt had shaken the Roman elite's confidence that they turned to new strategies for controlling their labor. Spartacus and his men had shown that slaves made an unreliable and even dangerous labor force.<ref>Matyszak, p 114</ref>  They were rebellious at the best of times, and parties searching for escaped slaves were a common sight in many Italian districts. This persuaded the elite to move away from slave labor, which led to the emergence of a semi-feudal system in many Italian areas. This may have led to an overall fall in the number of slaves grown dramatically in the previous decades. It should be noted that some historians disagree with this assessment. However, the revolt of Spartacus did not undermine the institution of slavery, and it continued to flourish until the fall of Rome.<ref>Bradley, Keith. <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 Roman World]</i> (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1989), p. 156 </ref> ==== Perceptions of Slavery====Spartacus's revolt changed the way that the Romans viewed slavery. There is certainly a great deal of respect and even admiration for the Thracian in Roman histories. Plutarch stated that Spartacus was a gifted leader and general and compared him favorably to the Roman generals he faced. Some later writers argued that the revolt of Spartacus led to long-term shifts in Roman society's view of slavery.  After the end of the Third Servile War, there were no more great slave revolts. It has been argued that the revolt of 73-71 BC so shook the Roman elite that they adopted a new view of slaves. They were more inclined to see them as beings endowed with reason and a soul.<ref>Bradley, Keith. <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 Roman World]</i> (Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1989), p. 156</ref> With Spartacus, they encountered someone with all the virtues that they admired in men. It is impossible to state with any degree of certainty if Spartacus changed the Roman elite’s views of their slaves. However, it is undeniable that the revolt by Spartacus was the last of the great Servile Wars.<ref>Bradley, p 117</ref> Rome avoided future wars even though many more slaves were imported into Rome from Gaul and elsewhere in the following 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> ====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}} ==References==Updated January 19, 2019