In a period that left its mark on history, Spartacus, a Thracian likely captured as a deserter and later sold into slavery, rose to prominence in ancient Rome with his rebellion for freedom. Let's get to know Spartacus a bit better.
**Who Was Spartacus?**
Spartacus, most likely a Thracian of origin, was captured as a deserter and subsequently sold into slavery. (72 BC) He was sold to the Batiatus Gladiator School, where he began his career as a gladiator. Historical records confirming Spartacus' sale to the Batiatus household can be found in Roman archives. Gladiator matches were a form of entertainment in ancient Rome, where slaves fought each other to the death, especially in the famous Colosseum arena.
When we look at the history of that era, Rome is considered the ancestor of Europe. Society was divided into slaves and the wealthy, where slaves gave up everything, even their lives, to enhance the lifestyles of the wealthy. The wealthy saw themselves as the upper class, while they viewed slaves as lower than animals, using them for their own pleasures. This mindset can be seen as an advanced version of today's European mentality. Even today, Europe often sees itself as a separate race and tends to regard other people as inferior.
Spartacus, with his love for freedom and his ideas, quickly rallied the other gladiators at the school and, along with 77 followers, sparked a rebellion at the Batiatus School, escaping. Initially seeking refuge at Mount Vesuvius, they confounded Roman forces by descending from the cliffs with grapevine leaves on their heads, allowing Spartacus to escape.
**The Legend of Spartacus Begins**
With the spread of his name and fame, many slaves desiring freedom joined his ranks, numbering between 90,000 and 100,000, as the legend goes.
**Coins Minted in His Name**
Spartacus and his followers moved south to seize the trading and port city of Lucina. The capture of such a significant city in Italy alerted Rome, leading to the dispatch of forces under the command of two consuls, notably Crassus and Pompey.
Despite the Roman army's strength and organization, Spartacus managed to outmaneuver and advance towards the northern Danube. He defeated the governor of Gallia Cisalpina and reached the northern Italian border. The only obstacle remaining was the Alps. However, discord and differences of opinion emerged within Spartacus' forces. The units composed of Gauls and Germans had never truly gotten along and were reluctant to leave Italy. Spartacus' close friend, Crixus, led a group with the aim of attacking Rome and seizing its treasures. In a way, it could be said that Crixus was blinded by the wealth in the Roman treasury. Due to these divisions, Spartacus was compelled to return to Southern Italy. Crixus, leading an attack towards Rome, was defeated by Marcus Crassus, the commander of Roman forces. Yes, the Gaulish Crixus does indeed appear in Roman records in the same way.
When Spartacus returned south, he sought to strengthen his forces by making an agreement with pirates and planning to move to Sicily. For this purpose, he negotiated with pirates in the region of Cilicia (modern-day Mersin and Antalya). However, due to the pirates reneging on the agreement and betraying him, Spartacus found himself in a difficult situation.
In the battle between Romans and slaves, Crassus emerged victorious, and Spartacus met his end on the battlefield. His body was not found. Legends were created, suggesting that the Gods took him to their side.
Following the battle, a great atrocity unfolded. Crassus crucified about 6,000 captured slaves along the Appian Way.
**Spartacus and His Legacy**
In his struggle for freedom, equality, and justice, Spartacus faced numerous obstacles but never wavered from his path. Despite leading the rebellion, he was criticized for being accused of tyranny and acting like their former masters. Nonetheless, he continued the fight. Some historians suggest that even if Spartacus had won the war, he would have been forced to maintain the existing order by replacing his former masters.
Although it may seem like an unsuccessful rebellion, the fire ignited by Spartacus profoundly shook Rome, leading to a kind of awakening in response to the shock they experienced. In the subsequent century, Rome transitioned to a Republic, somewhat alleviating the oppressions. Among those who fought alongside Crassus at that time was the famous commander Julius Caesar, who would later become a Roman leader. Spartacus became an inspiration to many in the centuries that followed, particularly serving as a hero for leftist ideologies. Karl Marx's favorite historical figure was indeed Spartacus.
Post a Comment