Around 70 BC a slave and gladiator named Spartacus led a rebellion of slaves in Rome. They roamed at will through Italy. A sort of militia was sent against them but were defeated. The professional soldiers were away at the frontiers.
But as the army of Spartacus pillaged its way up and down the Italian boot, the good citizens of Italy became worried. The slave army had a habit of mistreating plantation owners and freeing their slaves, many of whom joined Spartacus.
Finally the legions of the Roman Army organized themselves, trapped Spartacus at the toe of the Italian boot, and demolished him and his army. Spartacus' body was never found but several hundred captives were crucified along the Via Appia. Their bodies were never taken down.
It sounds rough, and it is. But Spartacus was no Gentle Giant either. He did some crucifying of his own.
Of course, the feature film, "Spartacus," starred Kirk Douglas and it sticks with historical facts closely enough except for the requisite romance, the nobility and brotherhood of slaves, and the brutality of the Roman masters. In other words it's a Hollywood movie with the bare armature of history showing through the mush.
But as the army of Spartacus pillaged its way up and down the Italian boot, the good citizens of Italy became worried. The slave army had a habit of mistreating plantation owners and freeing their slaves, many of whom joined Spartacus.
Finally the legions of the Roman Army organized themselves, trapped Spartacus at the toe of the Italian boot, and demolished him and his army. Spartacus' body was never found but several hundred captives were crucified along the Via Appia. Their bodies were never taken down.
It sounds rough, and it is. But Spartacus was no Gentle Giant either. He did some crucifying of his own.
Of course, the feature film, "Spartacus," starred Kirk Douglas and it sticks with historical facts closely enough except for the requisite romance, the nobility and brotherhood of slaves, and the brutality of the Roman masters. In other words it's a Hollywood movie with the bare armature of history showing through the mush.
