1-152-610 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

'Spartacus and Hermann in the Arena', late 19th century. Spartacus (c109 BC-71 BC), Roman gladiator, victorious in the arena, surrounded by the bodies of fallen adversaries. Spartacus was a Thracian soldier captured by the Romans and forced to become a gladiator. Together with about 70 other gladiators, Spartacus escaped and raised an army of rebel slaves. This army defeated two Roman legions before eventually being defeated by Marcus Licinius Crassus. It is believed that Spartacus died in the battle, but 6000 of his men who were taken prisoner were crucified along the Appian Way as a warning to other slaves.