Socio-economic

Question 1

Spartacus origins and revolt

Answer 1

“A Thracian by birth… once served as a soldier… sold for a gladiator.” — Appian 1.116

“More Hellenic than Thracian… of great courage and strength.” — Plutarch, Crassus 8

“Persuaded about seventy of his comrades to strike for their own freedom.” — Appian 1.116

“A serpent was seen coiled about his face as he slept.” — Plutarch, Crassus 8

Note: Born Thracian; educated, ex-soldier; began revolt as enslaved gladiator in Capua.

Question 2

Slave Revolt as a National Crisis/causes

Answer 2

“His army numbered 70,000… marched on Rome with 120,000 foot.” — Appian 1.116–117

“Through no misconduct of theirs, but owing to the injustice of their owner, they were kept in close confinement…” — Plutarch, Crassus 8

“Many fugitive slaves and even some freemen from the fields joined Spartacus…” — Appian, Civil Wars 1.116

“This war… so formidable to the Romans.” — Appian 1.118

“The war of Spartacus… devastation of Italy.” — Plutarch, Crassus 8
Note: The scale and threat of the revolt reveal deep instability caused by mass enslavement and exploitation.

Question 3

Spartacus’ Leadership & Discipline revolt

Answer 3

“Divided the plunder impartially.” — Appian 1.116

“Would not accept deserters.” — Appian 1.117

“Prohibited gold or silver… bought largely of iron and brass.” — Appian 1.117
Note: Disciplined leadership built loyalty and sustained resistance.

Question 4

Roman Underestimation revolt

Answer 4

“Did not consider this a war… but a raid.” — Appian 1.116

“Overcame Varinius… captured his horse.” — Appian 1.116

“The war… ridiculed and despised in the beginning.” — Appian 1.118
Note: Romans dismissed early revolt; suffered major defeats as a result.

Question 5

Crassus command revolt

Answer 5

“Assumed the praetorship and marched against Spartacus.” — Appian 1.118

“Decimated the legions.” — Appian 1.118

“Overcame 10,000… killed two-thirds.” — Appian 1.118
Note: Crassus restored discipline and began turning the tide.

Question 6

Spartacus end of revolt

Answer 6

“Contending… until he and the great mass… were slain.” — Appian 1.120

“Wounded in the thigh… held his shield in front of him.” — Appian 1.120

“The body of Spartacus was not found.” — Appian 1.120
Note: Died heroically in last battle; body never recovered.

Question 7

Aftermath of revolt and roman fear

Answer 7

Crucified along the whole road from Capua to Rome.” — Appian 1.120

“Believing… it would be disgraceful… they ordered up Pompey.” — Appian 1.119

“A war… devastating Italy.” — Plutarch, Crassus 8
Note: Rome responded with brutality; Spartacus’ revolt shook the Republic.