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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 both 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.

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 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. The owners had immense power over their ‘property’ and had the power of 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, <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. 12</ref>

This was because The number of slaves grew in as Rome conquered various kingdoms in the Romans enslaved many of Mediterranean. Rome often took slaves from the peoples armies that they had conquered in the Mediterranean. This These wars led to a great an 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. <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. 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>.

===Third Servile War===[[File: Tod des Spartacus by Hermann VogelBecause of their large numbers, the Romans also used many of them as gladiators.jpg|300px|thumb|left|A 19th century illustration of The Romans ensured the death obedience of Spartacus]]Spartacus was a Thracian their slaves with brutal and he had once fought with the Romansdraconian measures. According However, these measures failed to Plutarch, he was enslaved by them after he had deserted and because his great strength and skills he was trained as a gladiator prevent two Servile Wars in 73BC he plotted to escape from his gladiatorial school, near Capua Sicily in southern Italy 135 BC and140 BC. These war involved thousands of escaped slaves who fought the Romans and was joined in devastated large areas of the conspiracy by up to 100 other gladiators.Sicilian countryside <ref> Plutarch. <i>[https://www.amazonHolland, p.com/gp/product/B018U5O552/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018U5O552&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d166e75084f232112d2cccbbbdfccecf Life of Crassus]</i>, v 13</ref> .

The plot was discovered and only some 50 gladiators escaped. The escapees elected Spartacus and Crixus a Gaul as their leaders.<ref> Shaw, Brent. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312183100/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASINThird Servile War=0312183100&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d67bc798efd524fa4f08bc1fa5ff510b [[File: Tod des Spartacus and the Slave Wars: by Hermann Vogel.jpg|300px|thumb|left|A Brief History with Documents]</i> (London, Palgrave19th-MacMillan,2001), p 111 </ref> Spartacus emerged as century illustration of the leader death of the slaves but other commanders were also important and it seems that the Spartacus]]Spartacus was a Thracian was first among equals. He , and his men established a camp on he had once fought with the slopes of Mount Vesuvius in the south of ItalyRomans.<ref> According to Plutarch, <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>he was enslaved by them after he had deserted, but due to his strength and combat skills he was trained as a gladiator. Vii</ref>

The Romans sent two armed expeditions to subdue the ex-gladiators to end the rebellionIn 73BC, he plotted an escape from his gladiatorial school, near Capua in southern Italy. The ex-gladiators who by now have been He was joined in the conspiracy by up to 100 other escaped slaves were a formidable forcegladiators.<ref> Plutarch. Under the leadership of Spartacus, they managed to defeat both Roman expeditions<i>[https://www. The rebels were fortunate and many Roman legions were engaged in the War against Mithridatesamazon.com/gp/product/B018U5O552/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018U5O552&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d166e75084f232112d2cccbbbdfccecf Life of Crassus]<ref/i> Shaw, p. 56v </ref> Their success against the two Roman forces led to 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.

InsteadThe plot was discovered, Spartacus marched to the south, possibly in the search for loot. When they did march towards Roman again they defeated another Roman force. Crassus, one and only 50 of the leading figures in Rome and probably the richest offered his service to the Senategladiators escaped. He raised some legions and advanced upon The escapees elected Spartacus and his rebel armyCrixus a Gaul as their leaders.<ref>Shaw, pBrent. 71<i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312183100/ref> Crassus was a shrewd tactician =as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0312183100&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=d67bc798efd524fa4f08bc1fa5ff510b Spartacus and he engaged the slaves in several small encounters which he won. He forces Slave Wars: A Brief History with Documents]</i> (London, Palgrave-MacMillan,2001), p 111 </ref> Spartacus to retreat further south, into emerged as the ‘Toe’ leader of Italy. The former the slaves by 71 BC , but other commanders were encamped by essential to the Strait of Messinarevolt. Plutarch states that Spartacus planned to ferry and his army to Sicily. However, he was unable to secure men established a camp on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius in the necessary shipssouth of Italy.<ref>Plutarch, <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>

The Romans sent two armed expeditions to subdue the ex-gladiators and 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 because many Roman legions were engaged in the War against Mithridates.<ref> Shaw, p. 56</ref> Their success against the two Roman forces led to even more slaves joining their ranks.  There is some 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 defeat caused panic in Rome, and many expected Spartacus to march on the city.  Instead, Spartacus marched to the south to search for loot. 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 several legions and advanced upon Spartacus and his rebel army.<ref>Shaw, p. 71</ref>  Crassus was a shrewd tactician, and he engaged the slaves in several small encounters which he won. He forces Spartacus to retreat further south, into the ‘Toe’ of Italy. By 71 BC, the the former were encamped by the Strait of Messina. Plutarch states that Spartacus planned to ferry his army to Sicily. However, he was unable to secure the necessary ships.<ref>Plutarch, <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>  Spartacus ordered his army to turn back north but as they made their way they were met by Crassus and his legionsmet them. The Romans had built a series of fortifications , and they had effectively confined Spartacus to a small area, with dwindling supplies.<ref> Plutarch, <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>   Spartacus tried to reach an agreement with the Romans. , but Crassus was eager for battle as . At the same time, Pompey was also 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 annihilated demolished them and it . It is believed that Spartacus died in this battle. The Romans later crucified some ‘six thousand slaves on the main road to Rome.’<ref> <i>Appian</i>, 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, [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018TX5F18/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B018TX5F18&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=004592aa58fc4b584a24ccf64fdb947e Life of Pompey], iii</ref>

====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 was able to 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 keyessential. <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 the defeat of Spartacus many hailed him as the saviour savior 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 was a crucial step in the fall of the Roman Republic.<ref> Plutarch, <i>The Life of Caesar</i>, iii</ref>

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====

The Third Servile War , as it was known at the time, 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 insurrectionrebellion. It took many years for the South of Italy to recover and banditry became endemic. The revolt by Spartacus even if it was defeated 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 It took many years after Spartacus coincided with a sharp fall in for the slave population. It seems that instead South of using slaves that they instead rented out portions of their land and in return received rent Italy to recover, and a share of the crops grownbanditry became endemic. This was a system that The revolt by Spartacus even if it was similar defeated possibly helped to undermine the feudal system in medieval Europe. While there were many of landed estates that used slave laborhad dominated much of the Italian countryside.<ref>Plutarch, <i>The Life of Crassus</i>. Viii</ref> In the wake of the revolt, they began to decrease many landowners in numberthe 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 seems appears that in the revolt by Spartacus had so shaken the confidence wake of the Roman elite revolt that they turned to many landlords adopted a new strategies for controlling their labor. Spartacus and his men had shown that slaves made an unreliable and even a dangerous labor forcestrategy.<ref>MatyszakShaw, p 114. 116</ref>

They were rebellious at The years after Spartacus coincided with a sharp fall in the best slave population. Instead of time using slaves landowners instead rented out portions of their land and in return received rent and parties searching for escaped slaves were a common sight in many Italian districtsshare of the crops grown. This persuaded many in the elite to move away from slave labor and this led was a system that was similar to the emerge of a semi-feudal system in medieval Europe. While many areas of Italy. This ultimately may have led to an overall fall in estates used slave labor, they gradually reduced the number of slaves which . Spartacus's revolt had grown dramatically in shaken the confidence of the previous decades. It should be noted Roman elite that some historians disagree with this assessmentthey turned to new strategies for controlling their labor. However, the revolt of Spartacus did not undermine the institution of slavery and it continued to flourish until the fall of Rome.<ref>Bradley, Keithhis men had shown that slaves made an unreliable and even a dangerous labor force. <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)Matyszak, p. 156 114</ref>

=== Perceptions of Slavery===It has been argued that Spartacus revolt changed the way that the Romans viewed slavery. In They were rebellious at the Roman histories, there is certainly a great deal best of respect time and even admiration parties searching for escaped slaves were a common sight in many Italian districts. This persuaded many in the Thracian. Plutarch stated that Spartacus was a gifted leader elite to move away from slave labor, and general and compared him favourably this led to the Roman generals he facedemerging of a semi-feudal system in many areas of Italy. There are later writers who argue that the revolt of Spartacus This ultimately may have led to long-term attitudes to slavery an overall fall in Roman society. After the end number of slaves which had grown dramatically in the Third Servile War, there were to be no more great slave revoltsprevious decades. It has been argued should be noted that the Roman elite were so shaken by some historians disagree with this assessment. However, the revolt of 73-71 BC that they had a new view Spartacus did not undermine the institution of slaves. They were more inclined slavery, and it continued to see them as beings endowed with reason and a soulflourish 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. In the person Roman histories, there is certainly a great deal of respect and even admiration for the Thracian. 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 the view of slavery in Roman society.  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. This led them to reconsider their view of slaves as a class. It is impossible to state with any degree of certainty if Spartacus changed the Roman elite’s views of their slaves. It seems unlikely, this can be seen in their pleasure 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</ref> This is 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 success of the Thracian gladiator 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 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 very important significant in the history of Rome. It led to instability and economic contraction in southern Italy and in politics it led to the rise of Crassus. It seems that the The revolt did manage may have even managed to change the way that masters treated their slaves.  The revolt demonstrated that slaves could be dangerous and the person of Spartacus showed that they could be the equals of the Romans. This changed Some members of the view of many and they began elite 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 , 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 might have led to a reduction in the slave numbers in many regions.{{Mediawiki:Roman History}}

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