This Is Spartacus!

In 73 BC, a gladiator escaped slavery and launched a rebellion that shook the Roman Republic to its core. His name was Spartacus, and his uprising became one of the greatest threats Rome had ever faced from within. Tristan Hughes is joined by Ben Kane to explore the dramatic story of Spartacus and his slave revolt that swept across Italy. Together, they cover the breakout at Capua to the battles against Roman armies and discover how Spartacus transformed a small band of fugitives into a force capable of humiliating Rome. Was he fighting for freedom, revenge, or something more? 0:00 Introduction 1:25 Sourcing the history of Spartacus 3:02 The origins of Spartacus 5:26 The political context of the Roman Republic 6:45 Enslavement and the gladiator schools 10:25 Slavery within the Roman Republic 13:36 Gladiators as Roman entertainment 19:37 The escape from Capua 24:59 The Battle of Mount Vesuvius 31:44 The growth of the rebel army 37:33 Early victories against the Romans 42:35 The defeat of Crixus 46:04 Defeating the consular armies 51:18 Marcus Licinius Crassus takes command 55:16 Roman discipline and decimation 58:53 The Sicilian pirate betrayal 1:01:21 Trapped by the Crassus fortifications 1:02:41 The final battle and death of Spartacus 1:09:52 Mass crucifixion on the Via Appia 1:11:34 The modern legacy of Spartacus Presented by Tristan Hughes. Producers are Joseph Knight & McKenna Fernandez, senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff. Editor is Matthew Wilson. Channel manager is Vilde Øksnes. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. All music from Epidemic Sounds. #HistoryHitPodcast #TheAncients #Spartacus