The essential episodes of Spartacus
Watch these 25 in order and you've got Spartacus — each pick states its reason.
- 01
A Thracian warrior, enlisted by the Romans to fight, has his destiny sealed by an act of rebellious violence. As punishment he is torn away from his wife and faces death by being forced to fight in the gladiatorial arena.
- 02
Though Spartacus has proven himself during training and now wears the attire of a gladiator, his coarse attitude and relentless quest to see his wife isolates him from his fellow gladiators and Doctore.
- 03
Having performed shamefully in the arena against Crixus, Spartacus is forced to fight in the Pits for Batiatus, who is increasingly plagued by debt. Lucretia takes matters into her own hands to try and bring some money into the ludus.
- 04
When Batiatus is presented with a gladiatorial opportunity of a lifetime, Spartacus and Crixus must overcome their mutual hostility to fight as a team against a legendary and unbeaten opponent.
- 05
With the glory and riches reaped from Spartacus' victory in the arena, it appears that his long-desired reward will be granted when Batiatus informs him that he will be reunited with his wife.
- 06
Overcome by the pressure of Batiatus' control, Spartacus must make a choice: leave his past behind and assume the mantle of a champion gladiator, or die.
- 07
As Spartacus embraces his new role as champion, Batiatus purchases a fresh lot of slaves during an auction to be trained as gladiators and ponders the idea of selling Crixus.
- 08
Batiatus breaks the news that Spartacus is to service Licinia, the richest woman in Rome. Worried that Spartacus may be unable to satisfy having spent so much time without a woman, Lucretia sends a female slave to ensure his best performance.
- 09
Spartacus and Crixus are set up to fight in an exhibition match for Numerius' 15th birthday, but Crixus is intent on blood. However, interference by Ilithyia results in devastating consequences.
- 10
Gripped by guilt and mourning, Spartacus hovers on the brink and is plagued with disturbing visions and dreams. Meanwhile, Batiatus plots revenge against his enemies.
- 11
Lucretia and Batiatus eagerly await the arrival of Gaius Claudius Glaber with the hopes of receiving his patronage for the ludus. Barely healed from his recent brush with death, Spartacus is immediately forced back into the arena. However, having discovered the truth of Sura's death, Spartacus begins to plan his revenge against Batiatus.
- 12
Discontent within the ludus grows as Spartacus continues to plan his revenge upon Batiatus. Unaware of the looming threat from the gladiators, Batiatus and Lucretia host a lavish party for the elite, where Spartacus and Crixus will battle to the death, to settle the dispute of who is truly the champion of Capua once and for all.
- 13
Spartacus leads survivors through the woods, but Crixus returns to a place of past suffering. Lucretia pries into Ilithyia's affairs, seeking influence with a powerful Roman.
- 14
Spartacus leads a bold mission to free Crixus from the Romans, but a storied gladiator from the House of Batiatus complicates matters. Ilithyia's scheming puts her marriage to Glaber at risk.
- 15
Spartacus urges his rebels to train for the defense of their new sanctuary. Lucretia and Ilithyia seek comfort from each other, while Glaber's forces swell with some deadly new recruits.
- 16
Spartacus and his rebels try to increase their numbers by freeing fighters enslaved in foreign wars. Lucretia recruits one of her husband's former gladiators to outmaneuver powerful Romans.
- 17
Spartacus gets a chance for vengeance when a prominent Roman is captured. The intrigue amongst Glaber and the women surrounding him heats up.
- 18
Spartacus must convince his people to unite against a Roman assault. Lucretia struggles to be free from the commands of men who threaten her fate. Glaber's ruthlessness has consequences.
- 19
Dwindling supplies and a superior enemy brings the rebellion to its knees. Spartacus must restore hope to his people as they careen towards a final confrontation with Glaber's army.
- 20
Spartacus continues to build a formidable army and outwit Rome's best commanders. The powers of the Empire are forced to turn to wealthy, ambitious Marcus Crassus to aid the campaign.
- 21
Spartacus leads a daring assault to provide food and shelter for his people. Crassus builds a fearsome army and receives an unexpected visitor.
- 22
Spartacus puts a plan in motion to weaken Crassus's forces and gain the upper hand. Betrayal threatens to foil the plan.
- 23
Spartacus and the rebels arrive at a crossroads. With the relentless Crassus driving his men hard in the pursuit of Spartacus, the conflict between Tiberius and Caesar escalates.
- 24
Crassus learns that a fellow prominent Roman is attempting to steal the glory of defeating Spartacus. Spartacus aims to secure a bargaining chip he can use against the Romans.
- 25
Spartacus and his outnumbered rebels make one last attempt to win freedom in an epic final battle against the Romans.
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