Spartacus lived from 109 - 71BC, leading his revolts from 73 BC to his death in battle. Spartacus is primarily thought to have been part of the Thracian tribes, who lived in an area known as Thrace (eastern, southeast and central Europe).
Sources vary on how Spartacus came to being captured, some believe he worked in the Roman Army and was enslaved for abandonment, others say that he was a captive of a legion from battle. Spartacus was sent to a gladiatorial school close to Capua, in 73 BC he was made a commander of a group of slaves to escape, 78 slaves in total escaped school. Slaves, farmers and the poor from all around soon joined the rebel army.
Spartacus' original plan was known to escape across the Alps into Gaul, but as his army defeated more and more Roman armies their confidence grew and his men forced Spartacus to lead them on a march towards Rome. With a combined effort from Crassus and Pompey the slave army was destroyed, Pompey then defeated another five thousand escaped rebels and Crassus crucified six thousand captives along the Appian Way (road connecting Capua and Rome).
Bibliography for this link:
Plutarch • Life of Crassus
(Page updated: 21 November 2007)
Spartacus Wikipedia
(Page updated: 1 August 2010)
The Gladiator, Alan Baker. pages 59 - 66
(Published: 2000)
Plutarch is your only ancient source mentioned, so I suggest you read it carefully. Are there any other ancient sources?
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