The inspiration behind this series is the Thracian Gladiator Spartacus, who led a slave uprising against the Roman Republic. The Thracians had been persuaded by Claudius Glaber to serve as auxiliaries in the Roman legions in a campaign against the Getae, who had often plundered Thracian lands. However after Glaber reneges on the deal and switches his attentions from the Getae to attack Mithridates in Asia Minor, the Thracians feel betrayed and mutiny. Captured by Glaber, Spartacus is condemned to death as a Gladiator, whilst his wife Sura is condemned to slavery. Spartacus, however, proves to be a formidable gladiator, and defeats the four gladiators tasked with executing him. He becomes a favorite of the crowd, leading Senator Albinius to commute his death sentence to a life of slavery. Spartacus is purchased by Batiatus for gladiator training, who promises to help him find Sura if he proves himself in training. As the series develops, the story follows the betrayals and machinations... Written by
The End Begins (Season 3)
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Did You Know?
To distinguish which version of Spartacus they are talking about, fans have dubbed Andy Whitfield's portrayal as "Andy Spartacus" and Liam McIntyre's performance as "Liam Spartacus". Other variations include: "AS/LS", "Andy's Sparty/Liam's Sparty". See more
The characters frequently address Batiatus, among others, using the form of address "Dominus" (Lord). In Latin, the proper form of this word used when addressing an individual would be in the vocative case, and should instead be "Domine." See more
Sura and I often spoke of children. A family we were going to have now forever denied me. As I now deny Glaber of his!
The child is yours!
Would then my tongue make false noise? It yet speaks bitter truth. Monthly blood ceased after you came to me in Batiatus' villa. Lucretia had promised Crixus - a cruel jest. Tis a memory that lingers, is it not? Of that night. Of you inside me.
Yes. As does memory of my hands around your throat.
During the series run, each episode has shots from the season as the background while the credits roll. The pictures in the background vary depending on the season. The exception to this being the series finale where a montage of the characters are displayed. See more