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.

Season 3 : Ep. 9 The Dead and the Dying

Synopsis

Spartacus attacks a small group of Roman soldiers and once they are dead, he realizes they are not Crassus's men as Crassus' men have Wolf symbol and these men have a different symbol. Laeta confirms they are commanded by Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus - Rome's greatest warrior because of their dolphin and octpus symbol. Castus then tells Spartacus a rider approaches. At first they think it is a Roman, but as they look more closely they realize it is Naevia, who is holding Crixus' severed head. She later tells Spartacus that the days after they parted were full of victory, until confronted with Crassus and his men. The reason she was left to live was to taunt Spartacus with the vision of his end.
 Spartacus then sends some of his men to Crassus' camp, posing as Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus' soldiers in order
Spartacus captures Tiberiusto
lure him and some of his men to meet with them. Caesar recognizes the rebels, but decides to stay silent. He then suggests sending Tiberius. On arrival at the camp, Tiberius and his men are captured, and Spartacus recognizes tiberius' Sword and asks him if it was the one that killed Crixus he his men then decides to kill them in a night of games, as a tribute to the fallen rebels.
Agron is crusifiedIn the Roman
camp, there are still survivors from Crixus' last battle, now prisoners; including Agron who survived his wound inflicted by Tiberius. Agron is beaten for not giving information about the location of the rebel army. When Ceasar aproaches, the German tries to get up but is punched by a Roman and Crassus commands him to be nailed to a cross as a warning. When Crassus learns of his son's capture by a messenger, he sends Caesar to offer a trade: the 500 survivors for Tiberius' life.

Kore visits Tiberius and goads him about how bad it feels to be in chains and condemed to the whims of a master, to which he replies that he would return her to his father if she set him free, since Crassus still loves her. She says she had not dared hope for such a thing and tells him she will return at nightfall to see his death, a thing she longs for.

Spartacus is the first to fight, and his first opponent is one of Tiberius' bodyguards. He seems more capable then the other captured Romans, but when Spartacus faces the crowd, the soldiers tosses his sword to the ground, shouting "I am a Roman! I will not fight for your fucking entertainment!" before Spartacus swiftly cuts his throat, warning all other Romans to fight or die. He orders two to face him next, and expectedly fends them off easily enough, until one of them manages to inflict a small wound across his face. They continue fighting for a short while, until Spartacus buries his swords on the ground in an X shape. He then fights them unarmed, but proves very proficient with the use of his fists, and is able to dodge, hit, and grapple very effectively. Spartacus takes the combatant wearing chainmail by the head, and slams him between the buried swords, slitting his throat and killing him swiftly. Spartacus quickly disarms the remaining Roman, who then attempts to strike him using his own fists, which proves incredibly futile. Spartacus reclaims his swords, stands behind the injured and exhausted Roman, and kicks him. He then jumps up into the air and drives the swords through his eyes, killing him and withdrawing a huge roar from the rebels.

Gannicus is called out by Spartacus, who claims that two Romans is not enough. He orders three to fight him. During the fight, as Spartacus returns to his seat next to Laeta, she says that Gannicus seeks to best him. He replies with "Gladiators seek to best all, it is how they survive". Gannicus is seemingly outmatched when the three Romans corner him to the edge of the cliff, though this may just be for show, it still creates concern in Sibyl's eyes. He grabs hold of a spear, and performs an incredible leap to get him out of the corner. Spartacus compliments Gannicus on how he is the only one of the gladiators to win his freedom upon the sands, Laeta questions why Gannicus fights for the rebels if he was freed, and Spartacus says he did it to honor a fallen brother (Oenomaus), and says it is the bond that joins all men in such pursuit. Gannicus  launches a kick into his opponents, knocking a Roman off the cliff. He then easily impales another through the stomach, and leaves but one, who is injured from Gannicus slicing his leg. Laeta looks disturbed, and Spartacus questions this. Laeta states that they are no longer her people. She does not like the gory sights, but revels in it's meaning. Gannicus decapitates the Roman and tosses his head into the crowd.

Saxa, Lugo and Nasir are among the rebels to fight the rest of the captured Romans, and they have no problem with killing them all. Rabanus and Pollux, two former gladiators from the House of Batiatus, are also given a match to fight. When all the Roman soldiers have been slain, it is Tiberius' turn, Naevia has the honor of fighting him. However, during the fight Caesar arrives to offer the trade; Spartacus is first hesitant but finally agrees to it. Just before she tries to behead Tiberius, Spartacus stops Naevia and tells her of the trade, telling her that it is her choice. She lets Tiberius live, but tells him she will have his life someday.

Tiberius dies
When an injured Tiberius hobbles towards an amused Caesar, Kore runs at him in anger to claim her vengeance and kills Tiberius by stabbing him in the back. Spartacus then tells her in anger that she has just taken 500 lives. She replies that Crassus will still make the trade, offering to go in Tiberius' place.

Tiberius' body is returned to a deeply saddened Crassus along with Kore. He tells Caesar they march for Spartacus to see him to deserved end. He then embraces Kore who refers to him as Marcus, but he corrects her saying that from now on she will address him as dominus.
 Loved ones are seen returned to their families at the rebels camp,
including Agron. That night Naevia burns Crixus' severed head to honor him and the dead. Each rebel calls out the name of those loved who have fallen, Sura, Varro, Mira, Diotimos, Oenomaus, Duro, Donar, Nemetes, Sanus, Barca, Rhaskos, Acer, Liscus, Fortis, Vitus, Tychos, Sophus, Mannus, and Plenus. Finally all chant Crixus. Spartacus declares that all those able, will make final stand against Rome, and promises they will live free or join their brothers in death!

Season 3 : Ep. 8 Separate Paths

Synopsis

The rebels have grown tired of staying just a few days ahead of Marcus Crassus. Respite comes in the form of a small village that they are able to overtake which is flush with food, drink, and shelter.

Crixus, who is tired of running, will lead a group to Rome itself to take the battle to the city while the main army is busy chasing Spartacus. Spartacus, weary of battle and acutallly aware of the many who now depend on him, will lead everyone else, some fighters but mostly civilians, across the Alps to simple freedom.

A baby is born in the rebel camp, causing Naevia and Crixus to daydream about a simple family life, and exposing Kore as Crassus' slave when she helps deliver the child and lies about who her dominus was. However, Spartacus spies her brand. She protests that she is not a spy and Spartacus is convinced by Laeta to spare her and she becomes Laeta's responsibility.

After a rejuvenating night of drinking and debauchery, in which Spartacus and Laeta make love, everyone says their goodbyes.

Nasir and Agron part ways.

Spartacus and Crixus have a good conversation about all they've been through and have fought over. Crixus notes that if they had always agreed they might not have made it as far. Agron also decides that freedom of sheep farming beyond the Alps is not for him and that he will go with Crixus to do battle in Rome and has a tearful goodbye with Nasir. Agron and Spartacus also share a heartfelt goodbye.

Gannicus has a more low-key goodbye with Saxa, who knows what he's up to with Sibyl and says he does not have to worry about her ruining the "little thing" as he would do so with his ways and find his way back to her bed. The next morning Gannicus says his goodbyes to Crixus who says he'd consider it a blessing from Jupiter if Gannicus were to follow him and his army to Rome. Gannicus denies, saying he follows another path. Crixus turns to see who Gannicus is staring at only to see it's Sibyl, he smiles and says there is no greater path that a man must follow. With that, Gannicus bids Crixus farewell and luck on his journey to Rome and goes up to Sibyl and kisses her symbolizing that she is now his woman

In the Roman encampment Senator Metellus arrives, incensed that Crassus was unable to defeat Spartacus on the ridge. He sputters about the embarrassment to him and wonders aloud if he can still defeat Spartacus. Crassus reminds him of their financial arrangement. Metellus then says that the name Crassus is starting to taint his name but Crassus says that he will still defeat Spartacus metellus states "Lofty words from a man's whose most trusted slave is said to have joined the rebel king". In a moment of madness fueled by the departure of Kore, he punches Metellus in the chest caesar attempts to stop the argument but Tiberius warns to stay out of it. Metellus tells Crssus "You have lost f**king mind, I will see the Senate cast you aside for laying hands upon on honored member" crassus then beats Metellus to a bloody pulp in front of a  surprised and frightened Tiberius and Caesar. Crassus punches metellus to the ground and is about to beat him again but Caesar stops him crassus tells the scared Senator " Return to Rome and speak of this or any word spoken against me and I will devote fortune toward your death in darkest of night ! "

Caesar goes to Tiberius privately to implore him to prevail upon his father to calm himself and see reason and forget about Kore. He then essentially tells Tiberius that he knows that if he raped Kore and that's why she ran away he's going to tell on him to help vaunt himself back to being right hand man.

Crassus figures out that Spartacus and Crixus have divided their forces by having Crixus going to Rome and Spartacus taking the defenseless rebels going into the Alps. Caesar wants to defend Rome but Tiberius wants to chase Spartacus. Caesar is incensed.

Tiberius does not care for Caesar being incensed or his earlier threat about Kore and after he talks to his father and sees how upset he really is about Kore and how much his father thinks of Caesar, and Tiberius himself, he decides to take matters into his own hands. The two men fight and Caesar says Tiberius can't kill him and dispose of his body without consequence since he is "Julius fucking Caesar." So Tiberius has two of his guards hold Caesar down while he rapes him, asserting his total dominance and assuring that Caesar will not tell his father about Kore.

Crixus, Agron, Naevia and the others make for Rome and it is a bloody trail. At first they think things are doing well, Crixus kills Arrius but the tide turns as they approach the city itself.

Since Crassus got word to Rome, the rebels are outnumbered and, even after a battle cry by Crixus, ultimately fall to the Romans whose numbers include Crassus' men, who made it in time. Caesar is leading men on foot because  he can't sit on a horse. Tiberius covers saying he commanded Caesar to rally the common men on foot since they hold Caesar in such high regard. Crassus says it's time to see this fight to the end so they can turn back to chasing Spartacus.

Agron defeated

The fight is   beyond bloody and devastating. Crixus commands his force to fall back and reform upon higher advantage. Caesar kills Brictius, after that Agron atemps to fight Ceasar but is gravely wonded by
Crixus is beheded, seen in Naevia's eye reflectionTiberius from behind and falls to the
ground unconcious. Crixus tries to kill Crassus as his final move to achive victory, but is atacked by Ceasar. Althought he as easily defeats him, he is stabed by the back by Tiberius though his stomach. Naevia is also defeated and she is forced watch as Tiberus recovers his sword and beheads Crixus with it.

Season 3 : Ep. 7 Mors Indecepta

 

Synopsis

Spartacus tries to outthink Crassus after he and the rebellion are stranded on a mountain ridge in harsh weather.  He dismisses Crixus' urging's to attack the Romans head on, stating that a child should be able to understand that such a tactic would result in the deaths of all involved in the rebellion.

Spartacus, Gannicus, Crixus and Agron eventually lead a small attack on the Roman's camp, attempting to reach Crassus' tent and cut the head off the snake.  When they reach the tent however, they find the crucified body of Donar with the words 'Mors Indecepta' carved into his chest. Crassus had anticipated Spartacus attack and set up a fake tent to lure the rebellion.

Naevia is wounded as the Rebels flee leading to a violent confrontation between Crixus and Spartacus.  The Gaul still wants to wage a frontal attack, something which Spartacus disagrees with strongly which leads to fist fight . Their fight is broken up by Agron and Gannicus, who are more concerned with the approaching storm.

Meanwhile, Kore desperately tries to find a way to tell Crassus about his son's rape of her. Tiberius attempts to threaten her into silence, but she turns to Caesar for aid.  With Tiberius once again elevated in his father's eyes, Caesar is only too eager to help and smuggles Kore to Crassus' tent on the battlefield.  Unfortunately, Crassus makes a passionate speech about how he believes he could now forgive his son anything and Kore loses her nerve. After sharing one last passionate encounter she has defects to the rebellion and is seen trying to avoid notice amongst the others.

At the Rebel camp, Castus is little more then a hostage. While he is eating, Brictius appears calling him a traitor and mentions the deaths of Donar, Nemetes and other rebels because of the Cilicians betrayal. He criticizes the injustice of this by saying now Castus, a cilician himself is taking meal as Castus attempts to eat Brictius takes and spills the stew. Castus sarcastically thanks him causing Brictius to get angry and begin to beat Castus senselessly. Nasir appears and stops him telling the Gaul to leave. Brictius tells Nasir if he wasn't Agron's lover he'd be as bloodied as Castus but the Syrian tells him to place Agron from mind and make good on his threats leading to a stare down. Brictius (intimidated) leaves and Castus thanks Nasir for coming to aid and says "Brictius is a dim brute yet he holds right in this I stand a Cilican and by tether of name a traitor". Nasir says that Castus shouldn't be blamed for Heracleo's actions and Castus replies he is where the fates have led and calls it a blessing to see nasir there the syrian remarks that even when a hostage castus still tries to flatter. Castus tells Nasir that he attempts to live life to the fullest and says he wants to fight the Romans. Nasir contemplates but looks to nearby Agron and states he cannot but will put in consideration.

During a snow storm all those who were in the medicus' tent when it was stuck down have been to another area (castus among them)  Agron and Nasir walk in and talk before Agron notices a freezing Castus. He asks if he is to ever be free of him, but Nasir tells Agron not to stray from their purpose. Agron calls out Castus who says Spartacus commanded him there and the choice is moved from his hand. Agron says "Yet not from mine" he takes out a knife and cuts Castus' ropes to which the pirate is confused on why Agron would free him. Agron says that it was an act born of Nasir's plea and tells him without it his knife would be slick with Cilician blood. Castus thanks Agron who gets up to see a smirking Nasir. Agron tells him not to cast that look.  

Laeta slowly recovers from the wound she received while fleeing the city. At first she despairs over her losses, but later reiterates her will to live. Spartacus is eventually moved to share a blanket with her as they shelter from the storm.

Gannicus is seen helping prepare for the storm. When Saxa attempts to entice him to bed, he declares that they currently have other concerns, but his eyes drift to Sibyl who is sat close by. Later, she and a group of others go to pray by an altar they have built, asking for help from the gods. Sibyl offers her own blood as a sacrifice and collapses to the ground Gannicus finds her lying in the snow and carries her away from the group, telling them they should all seek shelter or die in the storm. Unable to make it back to the camp, Sibyl and Gannicus hide under a large, overturned cart. He dresses her wound and comforts her until she impulsively kisses him.  He reminds her of his earlier warning about men like him, but when Sibyl refuses to be deterred they make love in the snow.

The following morning the rebels count up their losses and approximate that a thousand have died in the storm.  Although obviously moved by the deaths, Spartacus sees an opportunity and uses the bodies to form a bridge across the trench. Once across, they discover only a small force waiting for them the rebels then engage in a fierce battle against the Romans. During the fight Agron kills a Roman and is about to be struck down from behind when Castus appears and saves him. Agron acknowledges Castus with a nod and the two continue to the fight. With the Rebels having the upper-hand Spartacus then tells Lugo and Brictius to take men and make a hole in the wall so the other Rebels can get through the wall. The combat forces then proceed to slay the remaining Romans on the other side of the wall.
 Rufus awakes Crassus and tells him the Rebels have breached the walls. Crassus orders him to command the Legion into formation as Rufus leaves Crassus looks around and does not see Kore he asks another soldier if she was escorted back to Sinuessa but the soldier says no one left his tent. Crassus looks at a part of the tent and finds a murdered soldier buried in the snow. Crassus later goes to the wall with Tiberius and Caesar who is shocked that Kore joined the Rebels which Crassus remarks that she wouldn't have if Caesar hadn't brought her to the ridge. Caesar, noticing a smirking Tiberius, says to Crassus he thought she had a just cause Crassus however, shirks it off and tells Rufus to give report Rufus says that there is no sign of Spartacus or his army. Tiberius questions how Spartacus was able to get across the trench the Romans then find that the rebels used their own dead to make a bridge Crassus then tells orders the soldiers to fall in formation and kneels to inspect the trench. As he does an arrow is shot into Rufus' shoulder the Romans look up and see that this was a trap set by the rebels who begin throwing spears  and shooting arrows at the Romans who lose many soldiers. The Romans then form around Crassus to protect him as they do Crassus notices a smirking Spartacus.
Spartacus Planing their next moveThe Romans are forced to retreat
as Crixus taunts them on their cowardice and the rebel cheer at this. Agron says Crassus will return with rams and ballista but Spartacus replies, "And find his monument of illusion destroyed lending opportunity to place distance between us. Let us see ourselves far from here and honor the fallen with future victories and the blood of Marcus Crassus."

Season 3 : Ep. 6 Spoils of War

Synopsis

Crassus and his men arrive to retake Sinuessa en Valle. The rebels quickly realize that they have to flee from the overwhelming numbers, but they all doubt whether they will have the necessary time to evacuate. Gannicus volunteers to stay behind and create a distraction to give the others time to escape. When Spartacus asks him what he plans to do, he remarks that he has no idea. Spartacus tries to urge him against the action by telling him to move with the others and says he will draw the Romans away, but Gannicus insists Spartacus lead the rebels justifying it with the fact Spartacus' death will be a fatal blow while his death is of less concern. Saxa and Spartacus attempt one last time to get Gannicus to come with them, but a Roman horn blows, signaling more troops. Gannicus urges them to leave but Spartacus says "We shall wait for you as long as we are able brother".

Saxa tells Gannicus not to die and he tells her the same. He turns and sees Donar, who remained behind. Donar tells him that his own death would be an even smaller concern, telling Gannicus that he is staying to help. Gannicus tells him to stay close as he would not have this night as their last.

Elsewhere in the city, Lugo and Nasir are fighting a squad of Romans and are able to kill most of them. As they are finishing off the Romans, Nasir is almost stabbed through the back when Castus arrives and saves him by stabbing the soldier in the back with a spear. Agron shows up and rushes to attack Castus who tries to defend himself but Agron breaks the spear in half leading to a standoff. Nasir asks Agron why is he doing that as Castus saved him. The German accuses Castus of being apart of Heracleo's plot but Castus denies it, saying he awoke from drink to find his comrades gone, and that he was left out of the plan. Nasir assures Castus had no hand in the attack, but Agron remains unconvinced. Lugo then says more Romans are coming. Agron tells Castus not to attempt to obtain a weapon or he'll kill him, as the group then make their way to the escape point.

Gannicus and Donar spread pitch around the horreum, preparing to light them on fire. Suddenly Sibyl emerges from one of the stalls. She had been hiding from the Romans and throws herself under Gannicus' protection. Although annoyed at the delay she will cause, he nevertheless orders her to stay close to his side and keep silent as he throws a torch down, causing the horreum to be set on fire. In the rebel training yard, Caesar and Crassus are easily killing rebels when they notice the flames of the horrum. Caesar states they are trying to burn the city. Rufus appears and tells Crassus three centries have been dispatched to put out the flames, but Crassus tells him to recall them and move toward desired path. Caesar questions why Crassus recalled his men as Spartacus is trying to take away any chance of victory. Crassus replies that he has "set plans in motion and will not fall to distraction". He then has his men move toward the northern gate where the rebels are beginning to evacuate from.  

Gannicus and Donar are fighting a group of soldiers in a side street and Donar is badly wounded when a soldier counters one of his attacks and stabs him in the side. Gannicus kills the remaining soldiers but is wounded in the process. From there, he looks at Donar and believes him to be dead, and Sybil tells him "If I am to die it lifts heart to share final moment with you". Gannicus says that despite all the deaths that night, she won't be among them he grabs her hand and takes her to hide somewhere safe.
 Spartacus and the rest of the Rebels are evacuating the city by the northern gate as Agron and Nasir appear with Castus. Crixus calls him a traitor and tries to attack him, but Nasir defends him saying that Castus knew nothing of Heracleo's betrayal. Spartacus says there was no time to place accusations and orders Castus hands be tied and has him escorted out with the rebels. He then tells the rebels that those who can fight take rear position while the civilians go to the ridge. At that moment, more Romans attack, but Spartacus and Crixus set the ropes,
Spartacus and Crassus metholding the
gate open, on fire, as they fight the Romans. The burning rope begins to break causing Naevia to scream out for Crixus who looks to Spartacus who tells him to get out of the city. As Spartacus kills another Roman, Crassus and Caesar arrive. Caesar points out the rebel king as "The man you seek". Crassus shouts Spartacus' name. Spartacus turns and the two leaders encounter each other for the first time. Crassus then orders his men to "Sieze him". Caesar and the men charge at Spartacus who is forced to roll under the descending gate to escape the advancing Romans and to get though before the gate shuts. Crassus seems unconcerned and orders his men not to follow, instead rounding up the survivors left in the city to be executed in celebration of the Roman victory.

The next morning it is revealed that Donar survived his wound as he awakens to find a group of Romans surrounding him. He looks at the head scout and says "Fuck your little bird you Roman cunt". The soldier knocks him out by stomping on his head. A group of Romans are investigating the city stables searching for rebels. As they look around it reveals Gannicus had hid him and Sybil under the floorboards of the stables (where Laeta kept the surviving Romans). As they remain hidden Sybil dresses Gannicus' wounds and they talk about her life before he freed her. Gannicus softens towards her when she thanks him again and assures him that his actions made a big difference in her life.

Elsewhere in the city, Crassus discusses business with his men until going to his office to find Caesar (who has shaven his beard and cut his hair) speaking with Metellus. Metellus praises both Crassus and Caesar for their actions, so Crassus then invites the senator to the executions, which he accepts. After he leaves Crassus and Caesar show their disdain for the man. Caesar then talks about how Spartacus and his forces live but Crassus says the ridge is impassable. Caesar says those words may have been broken by the fool Glaber when he had Spartacus trapped on Vesuvius. Crassus then asks in an intimidating tone if Caesar is questioning his authority. which leads Caesar to quickly back down. Crassus tells him to relax as Sspartacus will soon fall and tells him to be ready for the celebration. Caesar says "Would that the Thracian's head upon pike bore witness to such laurels" but Crassus again tells Caesar to be patient about such a thing. 

Kore is staring out a window looking over the seas when crassus suddenly surprises her the two talk about the successful attack on the city until crassus tells kore she is to be removed from the follower's camp kore begins to cry and crassus tells her she should be happy but kore tells him they are tears of joy. Crassus asks if her time in the camp has been horrible kore tells him it is beyond the telling of it .Tiberius arrives and says it is his fault as "he'd laid upon kore heavy burden" and lies that he went to her for comfort over the death of sabinius and his participation in it. Crassus (unware that these are subtle hints of tiberius raping kore) tell him that a man must do what he can in war he then sends kore to prepare meal. As she leaves tiberius remarks on how the the war is changing kore and his father remarks on how she is not the only one who has changed and compliments tiberius over his progress in the days after decimation.

He tells his son that if he keeps this up he will be reinstated in the army which tiberius questions as he thought crassus summoned him to reinstate him but crassus says tiberius is to honor someone who took part in taking the city. Tiberius at first thinks its his father who reveals it to be Caesar whom tiberius dislikes his father tells him caesar will one day become a person of high importance and is to be praised he tells tiberius to make peace. Tiberius says he will his father says " Many a boy may enter war but only a man shall emerge in its end it is fortunate to see you become one" tiberius says "I am what you made me" crassus happily embraces his son  who gives an unintersted look while his father is pleases. It then goes to the kitchen where kore is picking wine when tiberius appears he remarks that the wine she is picking is the one she favors she tells him it is for his father. Tiberius tells her that many things are for the "Imperator" and subtly threatens her not to inform crassus of her rape kore frantically asks "Do all the years I have cared for you stand for nothing ?! ". Tiberius remarks that they have brought great comfort and says it would be ashame to see her turn from their house and tells her the rape was really her giving herself to Tiberius to ease his pain and says in a dark tone "If errant word falls from tongue only suffering will fall from it by the hands of the Imperator or my own and I will not be as gentle next time" He leaves while kore begins to sob in private. 

Crassus summons Laeta to speak to him, requesting her honest appraisal of Spartacus. She is initially reluctant, but eventually confesses that Spartacus is not the revenge-driven beast one would expect. Crassus thanks her, then Heracleo, who survived Spartacus' attack (shown by the stitches on his forehead) walks in with his men. Apparently Crassus struck a deal to ensure the pirates co-operation and Laeta is part of the bargain. Laeta protests that she is a Roman but Crassus replies "One that gave aid to our enemy for whatever the reason". Laeta tells him he cannot do this, however, Crassus retorts "It is already done" the pirates bind Laeta and Heracleo promises to show Laeta a life beyond the city. He speaks with Crassus who tells him to leave the city at appointed hour or be killed.

Sybil is lying in the stables twitching when a hand covers her mouth she awakens and sees Gannicus who tells her more Romans are approaching Sybil says they can't stay in the stables much longer Gannicus tells her the only thing they can do is pray. While a Roman is searching the stables he hears a noise coming from the ground he move some hay and find the hatch and opens it to discover Sybil he grins but is suddenly pulled down by Gannicus who stabs in the neck. Gannicus hands Sybil a knife and tells her if he doesn't return to kill herself saying it would be a kindness compared to what the romans will do. He open the hatch and goes to fight the Romans in the stables Sybil hears the sounds and becomes scared especially when bloodied sword goes through the floor. She hears footsteps coming towards her and slowly moves her knife to her neck the door opens and it turns to be Gannicus who tells her he begins to believe in her gods and tells her "Let us see how far they will take us"

The two then hide on rooftops where Sybil notices Heracleo in the streets, Gannicus remarks " The traitor yet lives" he tells Sybil to come with him . Heracleo takes Laeta to Attius' former forge to be branded, intending to leave the city with her as his slave, but Gannicus interrupts their departure intent on revenge for the pirates betrayal. Heracleo says the death of the rebels was necessary as he was given a choice of either die a merciless death or to become a wealthy man. He also says he knows that Gannicus thinks that he and his men are "Shit eating Cilicians no match for a God of the Arena". Heracleo warns Gannicus that his sword might find Gannicus' woman's throat before dies, but Gannicus states Sybil is not his woman. Gannicus lunges at the pirate captain easily knocking him down he then begins to cut down the pirates. while he does so Heracleo still conscious attempts to attack Sybil who tries to fight back with a shackle but she is no match for Heracleo who grabs her. Gannicus calls out her name as Heracleo presses his blade to her throat he taunts Gannicus by saying "So you do care for the little one ?! Well it is a pity you have killed her !" Heracleo prepares to kill Sybil while gannicus screams out "No !". Unnoticed by all Laeta appears behind Heracleo and pushes a burning iron through the pirates throat, killing him. Gannicus runs to embrace Sybil and checks her for injury but she says she is okay Gannicus tells her they need to leave quickly. Sybil asks him about Laeta, to which Gannicus replies " She stands Roman" but she says she stands nothing but a slave as he once did he shows them her brand.  
 Donar is watching with horror howmost of his comrades are being tortured to deaht in Carnificia, a celebration held in Caesar's honor . Donar is seen among the prisoners and when he insults the Romans for their cowardice, Tiberius, notices this behavior, unlocks his chains, intending for Donar to kill Caesar. Tiberius invites Caesar to personally execute the final rebel by giving him high praise, due in Carnificia the last kill simbols penicle of victory. After Donar takes of his chains he strikes caesar with his shackles and begins attacking the guards Crassus orders him to be killed by Caesar who realizes what's going on says it is a blessing from the gods
Donar's Suicidethat he gets to really fight to honor
Crassus and Tiberius. Crassus allows and Caesar tosses donar a weapon and tells him to show what challenge his rebellion truly offers and the two fight. Donar looks set to win the match, until Caesar takes advantage of the injuries he suffered earlier. Caesar tells Donar he fought well him but Donar retorts "Swallow cock, you roman shit"Caesar tries to kill but Donar stabs himself in the throat, dying at his own hands than by the Romans. Crassus gets up and tells soldiers that the gratest warriors take their own life in fear of Caesar. The soldiers aprove. 

Gannicus disguises himself as Heracleo, but Caesar, who is leaving the celebration, notices Laeta and Sibyl. He stops the three by calling out for gannicus and says that Crassus only granted Heracleo one woman and Gannicus is forced to reveal himself. He wounds Caesar, kills several others and escapes with Sibyl and Laeta, who is wounded by a stab from a spear on horse.
 They rejoin Spartacus and the rebels but their relief is short-lived as Spartacus reveals Crassus' next move. A
Spartacus And Gannicus Looking at Crassus Walltrench
has been dug and behind it a giant wall surrounded by roman soldiers. Gannicus asks "How is such a thing possible ?" Spartacus replies "Nothing is beyond reach for the richest man in all the republic". Spartacus tells him it was always Crassus' plan to trap on the ridge and says " He will march from the city with his army behind us and when he comes death shall follow in his wake."