Prequel : Ep. 6 The Bitter End

Synopsis

The episode begins with Batiatus looking at the corpse of his father, Titus, during a wake. Many high-standing Romans and friends of Titus have attended. Solonius approaches and informs him that they have an unexpected guest: Vettius. In a moment of civility, he reminds Batiatus that Tullius had a contract for the sale of Gannicus. Angry, Batiatus chastises him for mentioning it at such a time and declares that Gannicus will never be sold.

Gannicus visits Oenomaus in his cell to find him praying. The body of Melitta is to be buried as is "custom for her people." Gannicus expresses his regret at not knowing her more and gives his condolences, saying that she had been above everyone around her. In a gesture of comfort, Oenomaus tells him that Melitta loved him like a brother, still unaware of their affair.

 Outside in the training grounds, Batiatus and the gladiators watch the funeral of Titus, who has been set upon a pyre to be burnt to ash. Batiatus gives a speech to the crowd and Dagan, blinded in one eye, emerges during the man's address. He and Ashur spy one another. As Titus' body burns, the gladiators follow the tradition of the ludus and fight in his honor.

Later, Gannicus is taken to Batiatus and is told that he is to be sold to Tullius. Still under the impression that it was Tullius who poisoned the wine that killed his father, Batiatus eventually breaks his views to Gannicus. The gladiator, eager to take revenge on whoever caused Melitta's death, says that he will go to Tullius and avenge Titus' death. Batiatus, however, knows that if Gannicus is bought by Tullius, the gladiator would only be trained by Vettius and will not see Tullius; Gannicus says that he will kill both of them. Batiatus decides to devise a new plan instead, aiming to trap both Tullius and Vettius.
 Solonius visits and tells Lucretia that whatever happens, they are always welcome in his house. When he hears of Batiatus' plan and is set to play a part in it, he cautions against it. Meanwhile, Lucretia decides to have Naevia replace Melitta's position in the house as her personal slave.
Naevia, Lucretia's new body slave.

True to his part, Solonius visits Tullius and Vettius and tells them that Gannicus is on his way out of the city, making it impossible for Tullius to purchase him. Outraged, Tullius goes to stop Batiatus before he leaves. They are lead into a back alley where Batiatus' men appear and ambush them. The slaves are killed and Vettius is knocked unconscious. In the process, Barca is stabbed in the side. Tullius is about to be killed, but Batiatus does not wish for a swift death. Instead, he has Tullius bound, gagged, and carried off.

In the villa, Lucretia attempts to get pregnant once more to bear Batiatus a son. She meets with Crixus, and decides that he is to be shaven and have his hair cut so that he will resemble a real man.

Vettius wakes up in Solonius' cells and discovers that he is to be kept alive in order to relay the message that Tullius has left the city on business. In reality, Batiatus and his gladiators have dragged Tullius to the new arena, where they go to an undercroft with an unfinished part of the foundations. Tullius says that Titus was a great man, but Batiatus pulls out the ashes of his father and forces Tullius to eat them. Before Tullius can reply, he is beaten to the ground and stabbed repeatedly by Batiatus, Gannicus, and Oenomaus. After, they push him into an empty wall space and close him inside, burying him alive.

The new arena opens the next day. Vettius appears in the pulvinus and announces to the magistrates and the others that Tullius had urgent business abroad and was forced to leave. He continues to say that he is giving up the life of a lanista, and grants Solonius the property of the rest of his gladiators. Batiatus, who had assumed they would split Vettius' gladiators, discovers the treachery of his friend, who he had underestimated all along. After some convincing, Varus and the magistrate accept Tullius' absence and consent to the games' start without him.

Diona's last moments.
Before the games begin, a public execution is held. Four escaped slaves are brought before the crowd, Diona among them. Cossutius recognizes her from the stands, and identifies her as one of Batiatus'. The magistrate asks Batiatus if he would like to take her back, but, bitter from the recent betrayal, Batiatus decides that her death will be an example for those who ever seek treachery against him; he glances pointedly in Solonius' direction. The criminals are executed one by one by Caburus. Before her death, Diona sees Naevia one last time as promised, and smiles at her friend as she is struck down and killed. This perhaps explains why Naevia never favored the games.

Beneath the stands, the gladiators await their turn. Despite his wounds, Barca tells Oenomaus that he is ready to fight, but the latter forbids him. As they ready themselves, Oenomaus tells Gannicus to fight for Melitta's honor if he is not to fight for the House of Batiatus; Gannicus agrees. The battles between the two houses (Batiatus and Solonius) begin. Gradually, their gladiators are whittled down to only the very best.

The primus approaches. The gates open and the last of the gladiators enter the arena; seven from the House of Batiatus (among them Gannicus, Ashur, Dagan, Gnaeus, Crixus) and thirteen from the House of Solonius (with Caburus). When they reach the center, slaves enter and encircle them all within a ring of oil which is then lit aflame. The rules are set: the gladiators are out of the fight if they die or are cast out of the ring. The last one standing will be declared champion.
 The men attack and the arena becomes a scene of bloodshed as the gladiators fall one by one, mainly those of Solonius. Dagan sees a chance to have vengeance on Ashur, and attacks him in spite. From the stands, Solonius mocks Batiatus that his gladiators are not trained well enough to not attack their own men. Ashur eventually gains the upper hand and slays Dagan, killing him with a sword through the stomach. Gnaeus is knocked outside of the ring and is disqualified.
The fight begins.

Crixus, Ashur, and Gannicus remain to fight against Caburus and the remainder of Solonius' men. Ashur approaches Crixus and conspires against Gannicus, saying that together they can kill him so that they alone can fight for the title of champion. Wanting to fight Gannicus himself, Crixus slashes Ashur's leg to the bone before tossing him out of the ring. Crixus and Gannicus are left to fight Caburus, a giant in comparison to the two of them. During the battle, Crixus is knocked out of the ring and loses his chance of becoming champion. Just as Caburus appears to have the greater advantage over Gannicus, the Celt fights back at the last moment, piercing Caburus through the mouth and ripping out his jaw.

Gannicus' victory is taken well by the crowd, who chant for the man's freedom. Solonius, seeing a way to safely remove Batiatus' champion, suggests that Gannicus be freed. Although internally outraged, Batiatus succumbs to the crowd's wishes, and the magistrate grants Gannicus his freedom.

The next day, the gladiators cheer for Gannicus at the ludus gates. Crixus is disappointed that they never got to have their match, but Gannicus tells Crixus to win his freedom and then find him. As they part, he gives Crixus the necklace of champions and tells him to wear it with honor. Meanwhile, Ashur hobbles out in a makeshift cast and glares at Crixus.

Batiatus appears to be the only one upset by Gannicus' departure, but Lucretia tells him that they can look to Crixus as their new champion.

When Oenomaus bids his friend farewell, he gives the rudis, a small wooden sword that indicates his status as a freed slave. As Gannicus walks off into the distance, training resumes as usual. Batiatus reminds the gladiators that they are going to have to fight for their title, and that they will also be rewarded someday for all they have done.

The series ends with the same scene at the end of Blood and Sand, Kill Them All, with Lucretia and Batiatus lying injured and seemingly dead in a pool of blood. The voice of Spartacus says that he has done this for a reason, and that their deaths were just the beginning.

Prequel : Ep.5 Reckoning

Synopsis

Melitta is dreaming. Going down into the wine cellar, she finds Gannicus there. When she asks how he got past the gates, he boasts that nothing can hold him back. They kiss. A sword suddenly is thrust through Gannicus' throat at the hand of Oenomaus. He is about to stab her when Melitta wakes up in fright.

Naevia stands beside Melitta's bed, and tells her that Lucretia summons her. Answering the call, Melitta finds Lucretia clutching Gaia's red wig, the woman still lost in the memory of her friend's death. Lucretia informs Melitta of Titus' plan to purge the house of Gaia's memory via a cleansing ceremony with salt. She, however, does not wish for Gaia to be dismissed so easily. Understanding her wishes, Melitta tells her that she will lie and tell Titus of the ceremony's completion.

Meanwhile, Batiatus and Solonius walk the streets of Capua. Batiatus talks of his father's desire to have him divorce Lucretia. Solonius suggests that he let Lucretia take a new husband so that Batiatus will be able to run Titus' house.

Back at the ludus, Barca trains with Crixus, who grows more talented with the sword. Ashur and Dagan are sparring, the latter upset with Ashur because he had tricked him into giving himself to a Roman man. Dagan knows that his skills as a gladiator far surpass those of Ashur, and reveals that he is able to understand some of the language of the others. Soon, he will no longer need Ashur as his interpreter.

Titus overlooks the gladiator training and tells Oenomaus of his plans to have a tournament between the gladiators so that he can determine positions and the true champion. Those who do not make it will be sent to the mines.

In the villa, Naevia and the other slaves are cleaning. Titus asks them if they have performed the ceremony; they lie and say that everything is taken care of. Meanwhile, Naevia notices the change in Diona, and questions her friend out of concern. Diona tells her that she is not worthy of her friendship and asks Naevia to leave her alone.

Meanwhile, the test begins. Each gladiator is paired up to another of their equal to determine who the better fighter is and to, ultimately, find a new champion. Batiatus appears and asks his father what he is doing. Titus tells him that he is going to have a new champion soon, and reminds him of the decision he must make: to leave or stay with Lucretia. Titus tells his son that he has two days to decide.

Later in their chambers, Batiatus gives Lucretia the news. Hurt, she asks him why he didn't tell his father "no" right away. In his frustration, Batiatus blurts out that Lucretia has not given him a son yet. She sees the truth now.

Melitta prays to let the image of Gannicus and her fade from her thoughts. Still unaware of their relationship, Oenomaus tells her that he will pray alongside her, though for different reasons: the fact that they have to do what they are told to better elevate the House of Batiatus.

The competition continues. Watching, Batiatus states that he has picked good gladiators in his father's absence. In the meantime, Lucretia tries to console Titus and gain his favor, but he wants nothing to do with her. Crixus fights another gladiator and wins.

Away from his father, Batiatus tells his wife that Titus' decision won't be swayed. In turn, Lucretia tells him that he needs to make sure that his father will be persuaded, even if it is through "drastic" measures.

Titus meets with Tullius and demands his reasons for killing Gaia. As an apology, Tullius gives him wine and a position in the games. All he asks in return, however, is that he can purchase Gannicus. Titus tells him that Batiatus reveres Gannicus as champion, and Tullius replies that he must make up his mind soon if wishes to gain favor in the games.
 In the villa, Naevia finds Diona crying. When she talks to her, Diona tells her that she prays that the next man she is "forced to lie with" will "take her life."
Reckoning.

During the competition, Gannicus fights Barca. For an instant, he looks up at Melitta and loses focus. He is nearly defeated when he regains concentration and bests Barca in the battle. Barca laughs and tells Gannicus that he nearly had him. Meanwhile, Ashur asks Dagan to take it easy on him, but they are selected to fight next. As they take their positions, Dagan tells him that it is his turn to be hurt. In the fight, Dagan overpowers Ashur but Ashur tricks him by telling him to let him stand. Dagan allows his request, and Ashur blinds him by hitting him in the eye with his sword. Ashur wins, though with a cheap manoeuvre.

Upstairs, Batiatus tells his father that he needs to talk to him; Titus replies that he also has words for him.

In the meantime, Lucretia asks Melitta to do something for her. Gannicus later meets her down in the cellars, and tells her that he wants to forget about her, but can't. Melitta answers that she loves her husband only. Crixus is lead past the gates, and she escorts him upstairs, ending their conversation. Oenomaus suddenly appears at Gannicus' side, and asks why he let Barca get the better of him. When Gannicus replies that he was "lost in a dream," his friend tells him to "wake up."

Crixus is brought before Lucretia, who tells him that she has heard tales that a Gaul could produce a child by copulating just once. When she asks, Crixus tells her that his father had five children, his grandfather the same. Coming to her decision, Lucretia orders him to have sex with her, but will not look at him as he does the deed. As she turns away from him, she is visibly disgusted with the task.

Meanwhile, Titus and Batiatus are in the old arena. There, Titus—with his back turned—tells his son that he loves him just as Batiatus is reaching for a beam to strike and kill him with. Titus says that whatever his choice is, he must make it right. Batiatus calls his father and he turns around to see his son with beam in hand, Batiatus gives the piece to him and calls it a memento of days past. Then he leaves.

Later, he goes to Lucretia and tells her that they need to make preparations to leave the house. She objects, saying that there has to be something that they can do; Batiatus tells her that there is nothing.

With Gannicus and Crixus as the lasting contenders for the title of champion, Titus tells Oenomaus that should Gannicus lose the fight, he will be sold to Tullius.

As the final round of the championship begins, Oenomaus tells Gannicus the news. While he and Crixus fight, Gannicus realizes that Melitta cannot be his, and loses the fight willingly. Alone in the villa, Naevia gives money to Diona and tells her to escape. Although reluctant at first, her friend accepts and tells her thank you.

After the fight, Titus is about to take leave, saying that he has business to attend to, but suddenly collapses onto the ground. As he is seen to a bed, a medical advisor tells Batiatus that his father is old, and that it is hard to get medicine for him. Batiatus leaves the ludus with Oenomaus to head to town and get the only medicine that might work. Meanwhile, Melitta asks Lucretia if she can go see Gannicus one last time before he is sold to Tullius, and Lucretia obliges.
 Melitta arrives at Gannicus' cell with some wine in hand, the same wine from Tullius' gift. When she offers one last drink, Gannicus declines, yet she takes a cup of her own. Taking a sip, she soon tells him that she doesn't want to fight her urges anymore, indicating that his feelings towards her are mutual and they share a kiss.
Melitta's death.

Inside the villa, Titus asks Lucretia to tell him that she is not the "serpent he thought her to be." She tells him that she is not, only to say that she is "much worse"; she goes on to inform him that she has poisoned his wine. Titus begins to cough, as does Melitta in the cell. They both cough up blood and die momentarily; Titus on the ground and Melitta in Gannicus' arms. Lucretia smiles at the death of her father-in-law as Gannicus screams.

When Gannicus brings Melitta's body up to the villa, Lucretia pales at the sight of it, knowing of her own mistake. Snatching the wine jug away from Gannicus, Lucretia tells Gannicus that Melitta was not with him when she died, and tells him to leave.
 Batiatus and Oenomaus return home to find both their loved ones dead. Gannicus and Oenomaus mourn the loss of Melitta whom is carried down to the ludus by the latter. Batiatus places his hand on Titus's body, saddened by the loss of his beloved father.

Prequel : Ep. 4 Beneath the Mask

 

Synopsis

As some of the last battles in the old arena of Capua take place, Batiatus and Titus observe from the stands. A murmillo gladiator fights a retiarius. The retiarius, who fights in a style new to Capua, wins the battle. Below, Ashur and Dagan prepare for their first battle. As they have not truly earned the mark of the brotherhood, Oenomaus tells them that this will be their test. Dagan shows himself to be a talented fighter and makes his first kill in the arena, but Ashur is beaten back and loses his helmet. Forced to the ground, his opponent is about to make the final strike when Dagan stabs the man from behind. Ashur finishes the man by bashing his head in, claiming the kill as his own.

Lucretia comforts Titus with honeyed wine.
With the minor games over, Vettius introduces his champion, Caburus. The battle is short and Caburus wins, removing the heart of his opponent.

While the games continue, Lucretia and Gaia roam the markets, talking of Titus and his influence of the household. Lucretia hints that he will soon be returning to Sicilia, but Gaia talks of leaving the house to escape him. They spy Petronius, an eligible bachelor and a man of interest to Gaia. Despite having met her before, Petronius does not recognize Gaia, and instead approaches Lucretia with interest, having heard of the pleasures of their ludus from Varus, much to Lucretia's horror. Later, they tell Batiatus of their meeting, and he says they should take advantage of the opportunity; he tells them to invite the man to the house—he will distract his father in the meantime.

Ashur and Dagan return to the ludus, where they are met with hesitant congratulations, for the other gladiators still do not consider them brothers. Titus calls Gannicus into the villa and questions him on his loyalty and will to be champion. Titus realizes that Gannicus does not fight for his house, and refuses to accept him as champion.

On her way to Oenomaus' chambers, Melitta is stopped by Gannicus. She tries to stay out of his way, and tells him that what happened between them would be best ignored. Gannicus replies that he cannot stop thinking about her. Melitta leaves him, but when she spends the night with her husband, she fantasizes about Gannicus.

The next day, Oenomaus commands Gnaeus to switch weapons to the trident and net, assuming the style of the retiarius. Gnaeus mouths back to him, and Oenomaus lashes out his whip, exercising his power as Doctore for the first time. The gladiators begin to look at him differently.

The night begins.
That night, Batiatus leads Titus away from the ludus to Neapolis under the pretense of scoping out new gladiator talent. The elite of Capua, among them Petronius, are invited to the ludus for a night of pleasures.

In Neapolis, Batiatus and Titus find nothing of worth. Despite Batiatus' misgivings, they both decide to return to the ludus before morning.

In the absence, the slaves in the villa are preparing for the evening ahead. Solonius arrives to provide protection to Lucretia, who feels that she cannot handle all of the guests by herself. Soon after, the guests arrive. The gladiators are presented before them for their entertainment, along with the spectacle of a gladiator (Rhaskos) and a slave (Diona) having sex on a raised platform.

After the exhibition, Lucretia prepares to move onto the next event of the evening when Tullius interrupts with his sudden arrival. Despite this, Lucretia continues, afraid to force him to leave. Painted slaves, both male and female, are brought forth for the guests. Tullius decides that, before donning a mask, he should put himself to a challenge and fight Gannicus. Oenomaus tells Gannicus to indulge Tullius and lose so that the man is not insulted. Tullius, though skilled with a sword, is no match for Gannicus; even so, the latter allows Tullius to make a fool of him, and gives missio after receiving multiple cuts to the torso.

As Melitta escorts Gannicus to the Medicus, he attempts to speak with her again about the kiss, but Melitta runs away in fear of Oenomaus finding out.

In the villa, an orgy is taking place, with both slaves and gladiators fulfilling the men's desires. One of the Capuans approaches Dagan and asks if the Syrian would have him. Ashur translates the man's wishes falsely to spite Dagan, who earned more in their battle for being "twice the man." Unknowingly, Dagan agrees with the man's terms, and leaves the group of gladiators.

Gaia decides to distract Tullius, who has taken nothing from the house and, instead, wanders amongst the other men. Leading him to a side room, she seduces him. They speak of when they were younger, and Tullius admits to lusting after Gaia back then. Drawing closer, he tells her that he has a message for her to deliver to Batiatus.

Morning comes by the time the guests leave, satisfied with the event. Petronius expresses interest in discussing business with Batiatus before he leaves Capua. After all the others seem to have left, Solonius also exits, assuming the house in safe hands. Shortly after the man's departure, however, Tullius emerges from the chamber unexpectedly. Before leaving the villa, he tells Lucretia that Gaia has a message for her. As she goes to find Gaia, she finds her friend's favorite red wig lying on the floor outside of a chamber. Inside is Gaia's corpse, her head violently smashed open.

Lucretia swears vengeance for the death of her friend.
Titus returns to the ludus before light to find a distraught Lucretia and the villa full of evidence of the night before. He blames Lucretia for her part in the matter and tells Batiatus to separate from his wife or be banished from the house. Titus decides to not allow news of the dark event to escape the villa, and fabricates the story of Gaia's death, saying that she drank too much and stumbled off the cliff.

Gaia's body is taken to the balcony at sunrise. Lucretia takes a few moments to say goodbye, and kisses her friend one last time. The body is tipped into the abyss and Lucretia swears vengeance for Gaia's death.

Prequel : Ep. 3 Paterfamilias

Batiatus announces to the gladiators both the promotion of Oenomaus to Doctore and the placing of Gannicus in Varus' primus. He hands over the whip, which has been passed down many Doctores, to Oenomaus. Both Melitta and Gannicus continue to conceal from Oenomaus their "show," which was the true reason behind Varus' decision to put Gannicus in the primus.

Titus returns to his house.
Inside the villa, Batiatus, Lucretia and Gaia are celebrating with more wine and sex when Batiatus' father, Titus, arrives unexpectedly and stumbles in on the three's activities. Calling Batiatus to him, he admonishes his son for the state he has allowed the ludus to fall into. He reveals his knowledge of Batiatus' clashes with Tullius from Solonius, and says it is the reason for his swift return. Titus goes about setting things right. When Batiatus describes his success in the business, his securing of Gannicus in the primus, his father laughs at him.

Meanwhile, Ashur and Dagan are offered food from Barca, who mockingly treats them like brothers. The food has piss in it, and the two Syrians are laughed at by the other gladiators. Despite having received the mark, they are not considered to be part of the brotherhood. Moments later, Titus comes to greet his gladiators, and greets some of them warmly, especially Oenomaus. In contrast, he receives Lucretia and Gaia coldly. Melitta also proves to be a friend of his amongst his slaves. Titus is well-admired.

The next morning, Oenomaus, now Doctore, struggles to keep order amongst the gladiators who are not used to taking orders from him. When he commands Barca to fight Crixus, his order is only obeyed when Titus, watching from above, tells Barca to do so. Barca fights with a spear; unaccustomed to it, Crixus is beaten again and again. Once alone, Gannicus advises him to remove the spear from the wielder so that the wielder is left with only one weapon.

Titus takes Baitatus into town where he meets with Tullius and Vettius in an attempt to create better business relations and correct the errors of his son. There, Tullius accuses Batiatus for the attack on Vettius days before during Varus' arrival, but Batiatus denies it. The meeting goes according to Titus' wishes, and Gannicus is removed from the primus. Peace is made with Tullius and he decides to fight the gladiators in a small arena. Tullius picks the fighters and their opponents: Gnaeus and Barca, Auctus and Crixus.

Lucretia and Gaia are relaxing in the villa when Varus and a friend of his, Cossutius, arrive unannounced. Cossutius, having heard of the pleasures that took place within from Varus, wishes to see them for himself. Lucretia tries to explain that Gannicus' performance for Varus had been a special occasion, but Varus threatens to remove them from the primus if she does not do as he wishes. Reluctantly, Lucretia agrees and offers her two slaves, Naevia and Diona, both virgins, to be paired with a gladiator of Cossutius' choosing. The Roman picks Rhaskos and Diona. Dirty from the fights in the ludus, Rhaskos is to represent all that is grotesque in life; Diona is clean and untouched to represent beauty. Cossutius decides to have Diona as well at the same time as Rhaskos. Once he is finished. he and Varus immediately leave the ludus. Diona emerges from the room, visibly bruised and distraught.

Ashur and Dagan, tired of having their food soiled, steal and cook Auctus and Barca's pigeons. This incites a fight amongst the gladiators that Oenomaus is unable to stop. Titus and Batiatus return to find the ludus in mayhem. Titus puts it to rest as he declares that the ludus has fallen and that the gods' favor has been removed. For this, they will not fight in the primus.

The next day, Crixus, Auctus, Gnaeus, and Barca arrive in town to fight. Gannicus, who has been the only one to treat Crixus as an equal, bids him farewell. Before his fight, Oenomaus advises Crixus to fight with honor and, if need be, to die the same. Seeing it as a battle between his fathers' achievements and his own (for Auctus was trained by Titus, Crixus by Batiatus), Batiatus encourages Crixus to win.

Auctus moves in for the kill.
Barca and Gnaeus fight first. They are evenly matched but Barca eventually gains the upper hand. He poises to kill, his sword at Gnaeus' throat, but Varus decides that the man should live, reminded of all that Batiatus has done for him.

Titus then announces the battle between Crixus and Auctus. The latter wields a spear, which Crixus is still inexperienced against. Auctus is clearly the more talented of the pair, and is a graceful fighter. He draws blood early with a slash to Crixus' stomach and another to his shoulder. Crixus remains steadily on the defensive, only rarely able to strike through Auctus' repeated spear thrusts. When Auctus finally launches into a deathly strike, knocking Crixus' helmet to the floor, Crixus moves his shield into place and the spear pierces through, stopping only inches from his face. Auctus is unable to move it, and Crixus slashes with his sword, breaking the spear and leaving the other man with only his shortsword. He manages to rid Crixus of both his helmet and, momentarily, his sword. Fighting now as equals, Crixus gains the upper hand. As Auctus moves to strike, Crixus forces his sword into the man's stomach and out his back. With his dying breath, Auctus says that Barca had taught him well.

Titus is surprised at the result, not believing his son to be able to train a worthy gladiator. When they return to the ludus, Crixus recites the sacramentum gladiatorum and receives the mark. He is welcomed into the brotherhood by Gannicus and the other gladiators, and receives no respite from Barca who was Auctus' lover.

Later, Titus admits to Batiatus that perhaps he had underestimated him and his hand on the ludus as a recruit could beat one of what he considered to be his best gladiators. Batiatus, who wishes to have the ludus again under his control alone, states that Titus will be missed when he leaves. However, Titus says that he has no intention of leaving as the arena stirred up longings long dormant in him; he decides to stay until his dying breath. Batiatus begins to plot.

Prequel : Ep. 2 Missio

Batiatus, safely back in the ludus, still has nightmares of what happened in Capua and flashbacks of being violently beaten. Lucretia and Gaia enter as he wakes up, and Lucretia expresses her fears for his health. She suggests that he talk to magistrate Sextus about what happened. Knowing of his and Tullius' close relationship, Batiatus refuses and decides to take the matter into his own hands.

In town, Solonius is buying wine as a gift for Batiatus when he is approached by Tullius and Vettius. The two of them buy the wine so that Solonius may take a message to Batiatus. Against his better judgment, Solonius tells Batiatus that Tullius has offered double his original price for Gannicus.

At the villa, Batiatus reacts to the offer in anger, and recalls the champions of his forefathers: Magneteus, Adrianus, Acolytus, Dolo and Zephyros. He says will not give up his own champion, even when told by Solonius that should he continue to refuse, Solonius will also be excluded from the games along with him.

Among the gladiators, Crixus improves and manages to best Oenomaus during training. Batiatus and Solonius watch over them as they discuss what to do. The latter mentions that Quinctilius Varus is visiting Capua to pick gladiators to fight in the games, and that Vettius will be meeting with him in town. Gaia, who knows Varus, says that he is quite influential. As Batitatus stands thinking, he notices Indus giving missio - raising two fingers in surrender - in jest, during training. In his anger, Batiatus sentences the man to the mines, and declares that nobody surrenders in his house. He then decides to gain Varus' favor so that Gannicus may enter the games.

Ashur and Indus ambush Vettius.
Melitta arrives in Oenomaus's room to find he and Gannicus sharing wine. There, she berates Gannicus for discussing the possible death of her husband so lightly, and asks him what he would do if he were unable to laugh or fight his way out of such a situation (which is what he would normally do). Joking, Gannicus replies that he may have to "fuck his way out," foreshadowing future events.

The next day, Batiatus goes into town with three recruits: Ashur, Dagan, and Indus, the recruit who was to be sent into the mines. Barca accompanies him as his personal bodyguard, going against Opious' better wishes, who feels as if his gladiators are being misused. Once in town, Batiatus sends the recruits off to their tasks, promising them the mark of the brotherhood if they succeed.

Indus meets Vettius, who is out to find Varus, and tricks him into entering a side alley. There, Ashur and Dagan ambush him, killing his slaves and beating him unconscious. Similarly to what he had done to Batiatus, one of the recruits urinates on Vettius' face. After the deed is done, Ashur suddenly strikes and kills Indus, whose face was seen by Vettius, who could easily link him to Batiatus.

Meanwhile, Gaia and Lucretia come upon Varus in the market. They charm him into coming to Batiatus' house to wait for Vettius, who is late to meet him. They pass the afternoon talking and drinking until Batiatus arrives in the early evening.

Batiatus suggests Varus to pick some of his gladiators for the games, and shows him a demonstration of Gannicus' skills. Gaia chooses Crixus as his opponent, enthralled by the Gaul's fighting. The battle commences with metal swords instead of wooden ones, and Crixus proves to be a strong fighter. Although he manages to disarm one of Gannicus' swords and down him, Crixus loses; Gaia decides to let him live.

Varis admires Gannicus.
As they reenter the villa, Varus appears to be more interested in Gaia than in the gladiators. Gaia insists that she has the situation under control, and orders Gannicus prepared and oiled to be placed before Varus. The man admires Gannicus' physique, but declines the option of sleeping with him as he is too tired. Instead, he asks that Gannicus have sex with one of the slaves, and chooses Melitta. The two are hesitant at first, with Gannicus appearing apologetic as he is close friend with her husband, Oenomaus. Melitta, in turn, has not slept with anyone other than Oenomaus. Eventually, however, she begins to take pleasure and shows enjoyment; her feelings are replaced by shame and tears when it is over. When she visits Oenomaus in the evening, she mentions nothing of it to him.



Oenomaus is promoted to Doctore.
Outside in the ludus, Ashur and Dagan receive the mark of the brotherhood for their services that day. Believing they were undeserving of the mark, Opious argues with Batiatus, which leads the latter to strip him of his title of Doctore; he tells him that Oenomaus is to take over the role. When Oenomaus later confronts Opious about the marks on Ashur and Dagan, the old Doctore challenges him to a battle. Even though they are evenly matched, Oenomaus receives a deep slash to the chest. Eventually, he is forced to stab Opious through the stomach, killing him. In his last moments, Opious grins and holds Oenomaus' face fondly and says he has taught him well. Pleased with the evening's events, Varus states that he wishes to see Gannicus perform again—in the primus. After he leaves, Batiatus and Lucretia celebrate their triumph with wine and sex. As she watches from behind the curtains, Gaia is noticed, and joins them for a threesome.

Prequel : Ep. 1 Past Transgressions

 

Batiatus and Lucretia are among the spectators during a fight in a small arena. A bright day, the crowds are cheering for bloodshed. Batiatus has one gladiator in the games that he considers of worth: Gannicus, who has yet to battle. The lanista expresses frustration over Tullius and a magistrate, Sextus, being absent from the viewing box; he had hoped they would be there to witness the glory of his gladiator. Batiatus feels as if he should be seated in the box among those of higher standing, like Vettius, a young lanista, who jeers at him from the stand.

Much to his dissatisfaction, Batiatus' gladiator loses to Vettius'. Another fighter enters the arena with boos from the crowd. In contrast, Gannicus follows and is a clear favorite, eliciting a wild response. He appears at ease and in good spirits for battle, armed with two swords and light armor. By order of Vettius, the battle commences.

Batiatus and Lucretia watch the gladiators.
Gannicus proves to be a talented fighter and laughs out loud as he parries and strikes. He lowers his guard for a moment when distracted by a jubilant female supporter and receives a cut to the arm. He looks at the wound with distaste, digs both swords into the ground and attacks with his fists instead. The other gladiator is downed when Gannicus grabs his swords again and stabs him twice; once through the stomach and back. With victory in his midst, he ignores Batiatus' orders for him to stop, and slashes the gladiator's throat open.

Moments later, Tullius and Sextus arrive; they have missed the battle. Solonius, on friendly terms with Batiatus, comforts the latter by reminding him that he at least has a gladiator in the games while he himself has none.

On their way back to the villa, Batiatus and Solonius are discussing how to distinguish themselves as lanistae when Gaia appears. She and Lucretia greet each other warmly. Gaia informs her that she has traveled alone to visit Capua, her husband deceased. They both decide to spend the afternoon discussing what has happened since they last saw each other.

A restrained Crixus as a common slave.
The new arena of Capua is in the process of being built, and Batiatus and Solonius wish to secure their own gladiators in the first fights. Tullius has influence in regards to the new arena as he supplies the slaves and money to hasten its construction. While the two are talking, they spot one of Tullius' labor slaves, Crixus, beating up another man. In the hope of gaining Tullius' favor, Batiatus offers to buy him for 50 denarii, which is well over the man's worth.
Gaia and Lucretia enjoy one another's company.
Back in the ludus, Gannicus enjoys the rewards for his win: women and wine. The other gladiators, among them Barca, Oenomaus and a new recruit, Ashur, are ending their training for the day. It is evening and Melitta, a slave of the house, escorts the slaves back to the villa and meets with Oenomaus, her husband.

In the triclinium, Lucretia and Gaia are discussing the latter's unexpected return. Gaia claims to be seeking a new husband and one with a "full purse" as the wealth of her former husband diminished in the end. Lucretia offers her housing while she sorts out her plans. Grateful, Gaia gives Lucretia a bracelet and speaks of other pleasures to be shared.

Meanwhile, Crixus is taken to the cell of the other recruits—those who have not yet been initiated into the brotherhood, Ashur among them. Crixus dreams of fighting in the arena and trains hard the next day, listening to everything he is taught. When Gannicus emerges late from his private chambers, hungover, he is granted the advantage of training in the shade, away from the heat of the sun. Crixus sees him; though he longs for such treatment, he realizes that he must become champion to be entitled to those privileges.

The next day, Batiatus emerges from his house to go to the market. Oenomaus, who has been recovering from his fight against Theokoles for a year, wishes to fight again in the arena. Batiatus, however, has mentioned nothing of his return. Oenomaus brutally attacks Barca to show how well he has recovered. Despite this, Batiatus shows no sign of wanting him to reenter the arena, and instead tells him to train Crixus.

In town, Batiatus goes to a shop that Tullius has been known to frequent. The two bump into one another, and Tullius offers him a return for the money he paid for Crixus, minus what he was properly worth. With Tullius is Vettius, who mocks Batiatus. The latter responds by saying that his men could defeat any of Vettius' whilst blindfolded. Vettius takes up the challenge and organizes an event for the following morning in the marketplace.

Oenomaus fights Barca.
Afterward, Batiatus calls Oenomaus to his chambers and asks him on whether or not "the champion" is ready to fight. Oenomaus, who mistakens the "champion" to be himself, says yes. Although he soon realizes that Batiatus was referring to Gannicus, he still declares the latter ready, abandoning his chance of being chosen instead. As thanks for his honesty, Batiatus sends Melitta to Oenomaus' chambers.

Later, Oenomaus hears drink singing from outside; he goes out to find Gannicus swaying dangerously on the cliff precipice, an amphora of wine in hand. He purposefully slips and nearly falls off, but laughs at the danger of it. Suddenly, Gannicus becomes sober for a moment, and tells Oenomaus that he should be the one to fight.

Morning comes, and Batiatus and Gannicus arrive in the market for the challenge. Vettius brings forth his gladiator, Otho, along with a blindfold, reminding Batiatus of his words—despite how they were only meant in jest. Both Sextus and Tullius are present, and though Batiatus does not want to be seen as a coward, he does not accept. Instead, Gannicus steps forth to accept the blindfold, and readies for the fight.

Batiatus with Gannicus before his fight with Otho.
Gannicus is successful at the start as Otho begins his every attack with an angry cry; thus, he can use his ears. The two gladiators wrestle around without weapons, but once they are free of one another's hold, Gannicus cannot find his opponent and is beaten to the ground. Otho lands many brutal hits and eventually grabs his sword again. He slashes Gannicus' chest, but the latter grabs him and forces the sword out of his grip. Otho pulls a nail from nearby and with it stabs Gannicus in the chest again; Gannicus pushes him off. Sword in hand, Otho moves in and slashes at Gannicus, who dodges at the last moment. The sword becomes embedded into a wooden plank. Gannicus grabs Otho and forces him down onto the edge of the sword, cutting his neck open and killing him.

Tullius, impressed by the performance, invites Batiatus to his shop later in the evening.

That night, after Batiatus has left the ludus for Tullius' place, Lucretia remains awake with Gaia, who brings out a small vial of Cyprus opium. She offers it to Lucretia and pours some of it into her wine. A while later, they are seen lying down together amongst fur rugs, kissing and caressing each other.

Batiatus stares into what will be the arena.
Tullius and Batiatus meet in a slaughterhouse. Tullius suggests that Gannicus enter the primus, and mentions coin. Batiatus asks for the sum that would be required to have Gannicus fight, but Tullius refers to purchasing the gladiator, not organizing an arrangement. Vettius appears from a back room and Batiatus realizes that he has been tricked. They offer him 200 denarii in return for Gannicus, but Batiatus denies the offer and insults Tullius. The slave accompanying him is killed and a bag is slipped over Batiatus' head. He is dragged outside the slaughterhouse, where he is brutally kicked and beaten, both by slaves and a vengeful Vettius. They remove the bag and suggest he reconsider the offer, or be "excluded from the games forever." In addition, he is urinated on by Tullius himself.

They leave Batiatus on the road, bleeding and watching the sun rise over what will one day be the new arena.

Season 3 : Ep. 10 Victory

Synopsis

 We open in battle between rebels and Romans. Gannicus tells a Roman lord to spread the word to free the slaves or see more destruction. The Roman asks who he is and he says "I am Spartacus." This turns out to be a strategic plan by Spartacus as
"I am Spartacus"other battles across the land with various
Rebels proclaiming the same, including Nasir, Lugo, Pleuratos, and Spartacus himself.

Crassus and Caesar can't believe they're all Spartacus of course, but a strategy to throw off Pompey. Crassus looks thoughtfully at a mold of Tiberius' face and Crassus is set on getting his revenge.

Agron's bladed-shield, crafted by Nasir to allow him to fight.
At the Rebel camp Spartacus makes plans, Gannicus believes that they may not work. Spartacus thinks it will hold them off. Agron offers to help so Spartacus asks him to grip a sword and of course, he can't, because of his crucifixion injuries. Spartacus assures him that he will serve a purpose leading the Rebel slaves to the mountains with Nasir at his side. Nasir later shows a special shield, whith an image of a red serpent, and sword he crafted that ties to his hand so Agron can fight . Agron says he will fight, and not go to the mountains. Nasir assures him he'll stay by his side.

Gannicus says goodbye to Sibyl, and they share an intimate moment before parting ways and tells her she must go with the others to the mountains and freedom. He then tells her about how she once said that he was sent by the Gods to save her. He tells her she was wrong, and that she was sent to save him.

Crassus prepares to meet Spartacus by sparring with his men. He proves himself a very proficient dual-swordsmanship specialist. Kore is brought to him in shackles and the two go into his tent. She looks at the Tiberius face mold and Crassus says he appears at peace, she agrees. He says it's a false image of the boy he knew who was always with the furrowed brow, just like his father. Crassus is reflective and she says she wishes nothing more that their journeys had set a different path. Caesar enters and says Spartacus' men have been spotted. She wants to tell him what happened in order to gain his forgiveness though he responds by saying he cannot be moved.

Spartacus and Laeta talk about her helping to lead those who flee to the mountains. She wants to wait for him there. He says she shouldn't jeopardize her own life and that of the others by waiting on him. She tells him she has faith he will defeat Crassus. He thanks her for her faith and the comfort she has offered him.

Agron reports for duty and Spartacus tells him how proud he is of him as the last man standing that he holds to heart from the House of Batiatus.

Spartacus gives one last speech to the assembled, both combatants and fleeing slaves. He says many will fall but they should know that their blood will give them the opportunity to gain the mountain path away from death and misery of Rome. "Part ways and live free." First the Rebel Mother comes up to him with her newborn clutched in her hand and offers eternal gratitiude to the Thracian. Following this, many others come up to offer their gratitude to Spartacus and say their goodbyes to each other. Castus arrives on horseback and says Crassus' men are on the way. Spartacus tells everybody to get gone and gives Laeta one last kiss.Gannicus says he's done with tearful farewells, now he desires blood. Spartacus replies "Let us make it so."

The rebels ready for the final battle.
The armies march towards one another and stand their ground across a field. Spartacus says not to engage until given command. Rufus advances and Spartacus throws a spear at him, forcing him to stop. The rider says Crassus wants to talk. Up on a hill, Crassus, Caesar, Rufus and a clutch of men meet with Spartacus and his main Rebels: Gannicus, Agron, Nasir, Naevia and  Castus. Crassus tells his men to leave him alone with Spartacus and disarms himself. Caesar protests by Crassus asserts his order. Spartacus then does the same and the two leaders are left alone. Spartacus wonders why he called him up. Crassus says the same reason he came: curiosity. Crassus remarks that after all this time they have never even broken words. Spartacus states it makes no difference.Crassus says Spartacus can't win this time, but Spartac
Spartacus and Crassus Shake of hands, showing respect to each otherus notes he's been told that by every Roman he's conquered. It is here
that Crassus learns the truth about Kore and Tiberius. Crassus tries to talk about their losses, and Spartacus warns him to not make those things equal, first by pointing out the misery his wife suffering and that even if they lose they are making the decision of their own free will. Crassus wonders if Spartacus gets justice for his wife if he'll withdraw from the Republic. Spartacus says there is no justice in this world. Crassus says that is something they can finally agree on. They shake hands as a sign of respect. Spartacus says when they meet again he will kill him and Crassus says he will try. Spartacus responds it's all a free man can do. The two then part ways and return to their respective armies.

Crassus is livid and goes back to his tent to confront Kore and Caesar and the truth comes out fully. Kore confesses when Crassus says only the truth will gain forgiveness. He is devastated and puts a knife to her neck and Caesar explains that Tiberius raped her. He asks why she didn't tell him. She says she tried. He flashes back to telling Kore on the night she left that nothing could turn him against his son. Caesar says they didn't want to cause him further pain. Crassus looks at the mold of Tiberius' face and destroys it, seeing himself in it. Kore tries to reassure him. He apologizes to her for all she has suffered and tells her it shall end when Spartacus falls. He embraces her.

Spartacus and Gannicus before final battle
Spartacus lingers on a map of his homeland Thrace. Gannicus enters and they talk about the cost of war. He asks if he doesn't think they can defeat Crassus. Gannicus says he's been a miracle worker thus far but the odds are against him. Spartacus reminisces to him about his wife and her vision that he would never love another woman. He says it was true with her loss. Spartacus says that he now realizes that the point is not killing Romans but the lives of those fleeing that they protect. Gannicus says he's on board. Spartacus says that he has to be a leader now more than ever then. Gannicus is reluctant at first but Spartacus remains insistant. Gannicus then asks Spartacus what he would have him do. Spartacus says "the impossible".

The next day, the two sides square off. Crassus gives his gratitude to Caesar for his loyatly. Rufus sneers that Spartacus is a fool for facing them with so few men. Crassus retorts that Spartacus has proven to be many things but a fool is not among them.

Spartacus and his army prepare themselves on the battlefield. Spartacus again recalls his wife, after looking to Agron's shield, and rallies up his troops with a rousing battle cry that it is time to show the slave-holders that all who draw breath are equal. The slaves begin to shout and cheer.

Crassus tells his men to show no mercy. The Romans then use siege engines to rain pitch pots and ballista bolts on the rebel army, to which Spartacus orders the rebel army to advance, so that the siege weaponry cannot fire without the risk of hitting Roman lines. The Roman infantry advance in tandem.

Spartacus jumps atacking the Romans
Unexpectedly, Spartacus halts the rebel charge, with the Roman front line continuing to advance and falls into a concealed rebel trap comprised of punji stakes, impaling many. The rebel army then unleashes a torrent of arrows at the Roman line while the latter flounders in confusion, but the Romans change to a protective position. The rebels then pull up planks concealed in the sand to bridge the chasm created by the trap, Spartacus leading their  advance, throwing himself into the thick of the fighting. Crassus orders the siege engines to open fire again, even though this means killing his own men with the fire as
Gannicus as Calvary leader
well. He says it will end the war, and fratricide in this instance is acceptable. Spartacus tells his people to press forward ahead of the fire. Lugo is set on fire by a catapult and consumed but not before he kills several Romans. Caesar is appalled at Crassus' indifference to the fates of his men. Crassus forcefully reiterates that it's a necessary evil and believes the battle will end soon, when large numbers of Rebel cavalry lead by Gannicus and Saxa sweep up, ambushing the Roman troops manning the siege engines. Gannicus orders Saxa and Celtillus to dismount and turn the siege weapons against the rear of the Roman lines and for Pleuratos to hold the left flank. This explains the comparatively minuscule size of Spartacus' original forces. Seeing the flank being overpowered, Crassus sends Caesar to lead the rear's defence. The fighting becomes confusing and intense with many falling
Spartacus and Crasus Clash.
Castus is killed by a Roman soldier on a horse. Agron and Nasir go to him and he tells them he wishes he could've been Agron for a day. The two, inflamed at the death of their comrade, then move to continue the fight. Spartacus orders Naevia to aid Gannicus and for Agron and Nasir to stay together. Crassus calls out to Spartacus, charging on horseback towards him. Spartacus runs forward and jumps up, knocking Crassus off his horse mid-charge. Crassus is winded, but Spartacus is also briefly wounded. Rufus and other Roman troops surround their Imperator, dragging him off to safety before Spartacus can get back to him. Spartacus, Agron, and Nasir meet up and Agron calls it a glorious day with so many Romans to kill. But Spartacus only has his eye on one. He tells Agron and Nasir to keep fighting them off while he pursues Crassus. Gannicus and Saxa throw jugs of flammable pitch at the counterattacking Romans and then heave flaming brands into their midst, immolating many of them. Caesar and Gannicus meet up in the field and begin to fight. They are distracted from one another and then Saxa is overpowered and stabbed through the stomach. Gannicus runs to her and holds her. She then tells him she once again finds herself in her arms in her native tongue and smiles before dying. Gannicus cradles her in death and becomes enraged at her passing, moving back into battle.
The god of the arena is defeated

Naevia charges against Caesar, but is bested by him. Ceasar grabs her sword and thrustes Naevia's neck with it, killing her. Gannicus cries out "No!" and heads towards Caesar again. The Romans box them in as they fight. As Gannicus has the upper hand, Caesar retreats from single combat and Gannicus futilely tries to fight off the entire army. Tired by the battle, he loses his two swords ans falls to his knees. He falls and Caesar grins, ordering his soldiers to stop. He approaches him and then knocks him out with the butt of his sword.
 Crassus is carried up to a ridge by his men but angrily demands to return to the fight, contrary to the insistence of Rufus not to
Spartacus Fighting Crassusrisk his life. Spartacus, however, appears charging up the ridge. He
slaughters all but Crassus, sustaining a few minor injuries in the process. it is just him and Crassus left facing each other. They begin to spar, both dual-wielding swords. Crassus proves a worthy opponent in single combat, and they both get in their licks. As he fights he first pictures Mira and her death, then Varro in his, before finally seeing his wife being pulled away and then her dead. They continue to battle and Spartacus manages to disarm Crassus, thrusting his sword in for the final kill. Crassus, however, uses a distinct strategy by grabbing Spartacus' blade and yanking it from Spartacus with his bare hands, and shoving the blade at Spartacus' torso. Spartacus, however, proves himself like-minded and stops the blade using the exact same trick, headbutts Crassus and body slams him into the dirt. Crassus is soundly defeated. Spartacus is about to finish him off when he himself is impaled by three spears hurled by a small band of arriving Roman troops. C
Spartacus is deadly woundedrassus yells at them
to halt as Spartacus falls to the ground in agony, still alive. Crassus, admiration clearly visible, says to him "Would that you'd been born Roman and stood beside me." Spartacus replies "I bless the fates it was not so." He's slipping away, looking at some discarded thread on the ground but instead hallucinating the purple thread of his wife. Crassus raises a sword, about to perform the coup de grâce as Spartacus closes his eyes and sees his wife. Unexpectedly, Agron rides up along Nasir and the retreating remnants of the Rebel army and knocks Crassus off a small cliff on the ridge, killing the Romans who threw the spears at Spartacus. Agron stares at a stunned Crassus wallowing in the dirt, probably contemplating whether to kill the latter, but Nasir yells at him to come over and attend to the still impaled Spartacus, who asks for a sword. He looks back on the fight and views the ultimate defeat of his army.


Final view of the battlefield
Caesar and other Roman troops stream up from the victorious field of battle to come to Crassus' aid. They scramble back up the hill but Spartacus is gone. Crassus says he's bleeding to death and orders the remainder of the captured revolting slaves crucified at the side of the Appian Way as a deterrent to any slaves throughout the Roman Republic who would think of turning against their masters again.

Upon Apprian Wat, Nails are then driven into Gannicus' wrists into a crossbeam. He's to be crucified along with the other slaves. Caesar smiles, noting it as an ignoble ends to a God of the Arena. Kore is crucified next to him. Crassus is clearly saddened but says he did what he had too, because Kore had participated in the rebellion on the side of Spartacus, whatever the case may be.

Pompey arrives with Metellus a flourish and reports that he came upon Spartacus in the north and defeated him as they tried to flee to the mountains. Caesar is livid saying he knows this is a lie and that Spartacus was defeated right there. Crassus, however, sees oppurtunity and says Spartacus was defeated in the north by Pompey, who he then calls Hero of Hispania. Pompey says Crassus honors him, but Crassus says he honors Rome and those who are of like mind who would see her flourish. Pompey, knowing full well what Crassus is doing, thanks him and agrees and states that they should dine once they return to Rome.

the Rebels crucified along the Appian Way
Caesar can't believe that after all they've been through that Crassus would let Pompey take all the credit for victory when Pompey and his men played no part in the final victory over Spartacus. Crassus says that public support will make Pompey their ally and they shall stand a fearsome Triumvirate with means to change the course of history. Caesar remarks how Crassus always speaks on the future but Crassus states the past can't be changed and the present has nothing but suffering, giving Kore one last look before walking off with Caesar.
Gannicus' final roar

Gannicus begins to fade in and out of life, but has a vision of Oenomaus. He smiles and lets go with the sights and the sounds of the arena chanting his name. He lets out one last fearsome battle cry.
 Spartacus awakens upon the foot of the Alps. "He yet lives!", Argron yells. He is surrounded by Nasir, Laeta, and Sibyl, and others, who did in fact wait for him and are all huddled around him. He asks if all are safe. Agron reports that Pompey set upon them on the way into the mountains and many were lost. Laeta says th
Spartacus' final momentsey must see Spartacus to the path before they are discovered.
Spartacus demurs and says he will rest awhile. Nasir says he can't stay. Spartacus says he cannot follow either. Laeta murmurs his name. Spartacus begins to take his last breaths. He says "Spartacus... that is not my name. I shall finally hear it again, given voice by loving wife." He tells them to not shed tears because there is no greater victory than to fall from this world a free man. They all, understandably, cry anyway. A shadow comes over the sun as the "bringer of rain" fades away. It begins to rain. Agron closes the dead Spartacus' eyes and says "One day Rome shall fade and crumble yet you shall always be remembered in the hearts of all who yearn for freedom." He then kisses Spartacus' head. T
Spartacus' Tombhey raise a cairn over Spartacus' unmarked grave,
adorned with the special shield emblazoned with a serpent and sword crafted for Agron by Nasir. Agron, Nasir, Laeta, Sibyl, and the others take to the mountain path to the north, the road to freedom.