One of his co-commanders, Crixus, wanted to attack Rome itself, where large numbers of slaves would likely swell their ranks even more. Spartacus advocated crossing the Alps to put distance between the army and Rome and find freedom. More slaves joined at its peak, the army is believed to have been 90,000–120,000 strong. Initially, Rome did not regard the slave army as a serious force and did not send first-line troops against it Spartacus’ army outmaneuvered and defeated the first four forces it confronted. Spartacus is believed to have been the leader of the gladiators’ revolt, and he shared leadership of the slave army with two Gauls, Crixus and Oenamus. Taking refuge on Mount Vesuvius, the gladiators trained the others in at least rudimentary combat skills. In 73 BC (BCE), he escaped from a gladiatorial training school at Capua along with some 70 other gladiators.
What is known is that he was captured and sold into slavery. It is generally believed he deserted, and some sources say he led bandit raids. Spartacus may have served in the Roman Army. Little is known about his life before he became one of the slave leaders in the Third Servile War, the slave uprising war against the Roman Republic. Spartacus summary: Spartacus was a Thracian gladiator.
Spartacus, the Slave Warrior Who Threatened Rome Close
