The New Student's Reference Work/Spartacus

Spartacus (spär′tä-kŭs), a leader in a revolt of Roman slaves, about 73 B. C., was born in Thrace. He was first a shepherd, then the head of a band of robbers, and when taken was sold to a trainer of gladiators at Capua. He escaped with 70 others and fled to the crater of Vesuvius. Here he was joined by many runaway slaves, conquered all forces sent against him, and sacked many of the cities of southern Italy. His army increased to 100,000 men, whom he sought to induce to march across the Alps and to seek their old homes, but the fever of revenge and conquest was upon them, and Spartacus continued his fight with the Roman authorities. At last he was defeated by Crassus in 71 B. C. while trying to seize the shipping at Brundusium, and was slain at Petelia.