Spartacus Revolt Timeline

Beginning of Revolt

73 BCE

The revolt has begun. 70 slave gladiators have escaped from the gladiator school in Capua. They have easily defeated the small roman force that was sent to recapture them.

The First Attempt

73 BCE

Later that year Rome dispatched the praetor Clodius Glaber, with 3,000 soldiers to quell the slave revolt. Glaber and his men were able to surround the slaves Mount Vesuvius blocking the only path down. However, Spartacus and his men displayed ingenuity by making ropes and ladders from vines and tree's and used them to rappel down the mountain before outflanking Glaber's Base and annihilating them.

The Second Expedition

73 BCE

Following the events that took place at Mount Vesuvius a second expedition was sent after Spartacus. This time led under the praetor Publius Varinius. However, he seemed to split his forces between his subordinates Furius and Cossinius. These forces were also defeated by Spartacus with Cossinius being killed and Varinius almost being captured. The equipment used by the army was seized by the Spartacus's men.

Strengthening of Spartacus's Army

73 BCE

By this time, Spartacus's force had increased to around 70,000 escaped slaves and gladiators. During the winter of 73-72 BC the Spartacus's men spent the time training, arming and equipping their new recruits and raided the nearby towns of Nola, Nuceria, Thurii and Metapontum.

The Defeat of the Consular Legions

72 BCE

However shortly after, Spartacus defeated Lentulus and soon after then was able to defeat Publicola.

The Consular Legions

72 BCE

In the spring of 72 BC Spartacus's men left their winter encampments and moved north. The senate who were in panic at the size of the revolt and the defeat of Glaber and Varinius dispatched two consular legions under Lucius Gellius Publicola and Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Clodianus. Initially the consular legions were successful, Gellius engaged a group of about 70,000 slaves under the command of Crixus near Mount Garganus and were able to kill two thirds of the slaves including Crixus.

The Retreat

72 BCE

Following the defeat of the Consular Legions they retreated back to the south of Italy, raiding various towns and trading the plunder for bronze and iron in which they used to manufacture more weapons.

The War Under Crassus

71 BCE

The Senate, who was now very worried due to the inability to stop the rebellion gave the task of stopping the rebellion one and for all to Marcus Licinius Crassus. Crassus was given a praetorship and assigned six new legions in addition to the dwindled forces of the two consular legions. These forces combined gave him an estimated army of around 32,000 - 48,000 trained Roman infantry men. Crassis treated his army with harsh and brutal discipline.

The Fail of Mummius

71 BCE

When the forces of Spartacus moved northwards again Crassus detached two of his legions under the command of his legate, Mummius to flank Spartacus from behind but gave him orders not to attack. However, when an opportunity arose Mummius attacked but was quicky defeated.

The Clash Between Crassus and Spartacus

71 BCE

Despite the initial loss, Crassus engaged Spartacus and was able to defeat him, killing around 6,000 rebels. The outcome of the war seemed to be changing asn Crassus's Legions were victorious in several engagements with Spartacus's men. Spartacus's forces are forced to retreat towards Rhegium when he is betrayed by Cicilian pirates and his plan to transport his army to Sicily falls through. The rebels were under siege and cut off from their supplies.

The approach of Pompey

71 BCE

At this time the legions of Pompey were returning to Italy. But Pompey was ordered instead to bypass Rome and head south to aid Crassus. Hearing of the approach of Pompey, Spartacus attempted to negotiate with Crassus to bring the conflict to a close before Roman reinforcements arrived. However, Crassus refused and a portion of Spartacus's forces broke out of confinement with Crassus's legions in pursuit.

The End of the War

71 BCE

With discipline breaking down, Spartacus brought the remaining of his army on the oncoming legions. In his last stand, the Battle of the Siler River the vast majority of his men were killed on the battlefield. All ancient historians stated that Spartacus was also killed in the same battle. However, his body was never found.