Spartacus Crixus was a Thracian from the nomadic tribes. Strong both physically, and mentally, Spartacus was elected leader of a group of runaway slaves. He had led an escape effort from a gladiator training school, yet of the 200 men who tried to escape, only 78 were successful due to a spilling of the beans: “Two hundred of them planned to escape, but their plan was betrayed and only seventy-eight, who realized this, managed to act in time and get away, armed with choppers and spits which they seized from some cookhouse.” The men established a position, and elected their leaders. The first of three was Spartacus himself. By now, word had gotten out of their escape and troops were on the way to subdue them, yet Spartacus’ leadership allowed the group to be victorious, and in turn they acquired weapons and armed themselves to survive against coming Roman legions. The second attacker was Clodius, a Roman Praetor who was unsuccessful in defeating the runaways. Next came Publius Varinus under the advisory of Cossinius who failed as well in subduing the growing threat of a gladiatorial revolt. By now, the rag-tag group of slaves and gladiators had grown into a well-provisioned army with weapons, and an increasing number of troops. Next was Cassius, governor of Gaul, with a group of 10,000 men, who once again were defeated and their leader barely escaped with his life. “He then pushed on towards the Alps and was confronted by Cassius, the governor of Cisalpine Gaul, with an army of 10,000 men. In the battle that followed Cassius was defeated and, after losing many of his men, only just managed to escape with his own life.” The Romans now were becoming more and more afraid of the threat that their enemies imposed on them and as a result, both Consuls were sent to destroy Spartacus and his men. After many more battles and countless miles marched, Crassus and Spartacus faced off in the deciding battle at Senerchia. Both sides fought valiantly however, in the end Crassus and his roman troops prevailed. “Then he made straight for Crassus himself, charging forward through the press of weapons and wounded men, and, though he did not reach Crassus, he cut down two centurions who fell on him together. Finally, when his own men had taken to flight, he himself, surrounded by enemies, still stood his ground and died fighting to the last.” Spartacus was defeated, yet some sources say he survived the battle and was one of the 6,000 men crucified on the road between Rome and Capua during Crassus’ march home.