Introduction
Greetings my fellow historians, I am Lucius Spartianus, a dedicated ancient biographer delving into the life and legacy of one of antiquity's most prominent figures, Spartacus. Often romanticized as a heroic gladiator and symbol of resistance, Spartacus's true story encompasses not only his courageous revolt against the Roman Republic but also the complex socio-political landscape of his time. Moving forward, I present to you a research of Spartacus's origins as a Thracian warrior and the misconceptions following the monumental slave uprising he led from 73 to 71 BCE. Through careful research, I intend to shed light on the motivation set behind his rebellion and the lasting impact it has granted.
A marble relief panel from Smyrna showing Roman slaves in chains. 200 CE. (Ashmolean Musuem, Oxford, UK)