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The Spartacus War

Full Title: The Spartacus War
Author: Barry Strauss
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 264
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: 02 February 2010
ISBN 1416532064
Dewey Decimal: 937
Availability:Ready for order

Price: $10.20

Editorial Reviews

  • Product Description

    The Spartacus War is the extraordinary story of the most famous slave rebellion in the ancient world, the fascinating true story behind a legend that has been the inspiration for novelists, filmmakers, and revolutionaries for 2,000 years. Starting with only seventy-four men, a gladiator named Spartacus incited a rebellion that threatened Rome itself. With his fellow gladiators, Spartacus built an army of 60,000 soldiers and controlled the southern Italian countryside. A charismatic leader, he used religion to win support. An ex-soldier in the Roman army, Spartacus excelled in combat. He defeated nine Roman armies and kept Rome at bay for two years before he was defeated. After his final battle, 6,000 of his followers were captured and crucified along Rome's main southern highway.

    The Spartacus War is the dramatic and factual account of one of history's great rebellions. Spartacus was beaten by a Roman general, Crassus, who had learned how to defeat an insurgency. But the rebels were partly to blame for their failure. Their army was large and often undisciplined; the many ethnic groups within it frequently quarreled over leadership. No single leader, not even Spartacus, could keep them all in line. And when faced with a choice between escaping to freedom and looting, the rebels chose wealth over liberty, risking an eventual confrontation with Rome's most powerful forces.

    The result of years of research, The Spartacus War is based not only on written documents but also on archaeological evidence, historical reconstruction, and the author's extensive travels in the Italian countryside that Spartacus once conquered.

Customer Reviews

  • A difficult book to read, and no doubt write

    This sounds like such an interesting topic. Unfortunately the information avaliable about Spartacus and his rebellion is sparce. The author was left with filling in a ton of blanks and much speculation. There are soooo many names of people and places that I've never heard of it becomes hard to listen to. Its almost academic in nature, and tough as a casual read. If you're well versed in everything ancient Rome and can deal with a torrent of strange names you may like this.

  • Solid review of a topic most don't really understand

    This is a good synopsis of the historical record. The author also places it in the context of one slave revolt among many. Speculation on motives and exact actions within the competing factions of the slave army are thoughtful without extending to fanciful dialogue. The is a good companion to the author's book on the Trojan War.

  • Great book. Highly recommended!

    I've always wanted to know the story of Spartacus and found this book to be both informative and enjoyable to read.

  • Engrossing

    Barry Strauss's presentation of The Spartacus War was a delight to read. While mixing historical fact with conjecture, he created a work that stimulated one's imagination as much as watching the story on video. Good job.

  • Excellent Work

    This is an excellent historical work. Mr. Strauss has delivered an exemplary writing by not simply presenting unfounded facts and theories about one of the most commonly heard of but scarcely known figures is human history, but communicating to his readers what is known and what is probable about Spartacus and those around him. His enjoyment and enthusiasm of his chosen subject is obvious. A very informative and enjoyable read.

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