In the 1960’s, the first saga was published about a Roman slave named Spartacus. During the last century before Christ, slavery was relevant. Spartacus was born and raised a slave; he knew nothing different. Part of slavery during this time period was being trained to fight as a gladiator. Spartacus turned on his owners and led the other slaves in rebellion. While falling in love with another slave, Varina, who shows him different ways around the towns. While going through different towns, Spartacus meets new people that are willing to help him. He also convinces slaves and higher people to turn against what they know and follow him. Through many battles, wins and losses, Spartacus also showed that he was strong and the battle that he was willing to put up.
When watching the movie, it shows beautiful buildings, the arena where the fighting goes on, what the Spartans wear, and the type of armor that is worn. Spartacus is based on historical events, characters, and architecture. So, when this movie was created, more than half of the content is real. But we all know movies are made for entertainment and to look appealing, so there are going to be some points in the movie that are made up or exaggerated. When making a movie entertaining, that is what the audience likes. That is what makes the movie interesting and keeps the audience entertained. But not only is Spartacus a movie, it is also a TV and comic series, video games, board games, and so much more.
Based on the movie, the time period that is the focus would be Ancient Roman. During this time, Ancient Rome was popular and was known for their army. One of the most popular buildings in Rome is the Roman Colosseum. The Colosseum was also used as the arena where all the fighting happened. The arena would be packed with the audience waiting for the fighting to go on; the different levels of the colosseum meant that you were ranked/more important. The main reason why Spartacus was fighting was for freedom amongst the slaves. The Roman time period exceeded almost 500 years and contained many important events that are talked about today. The Imperial Forum in Rome was a power structure, a place for debate, and meeting places. It was shown in the movie at different times to show Spartacus fighting. Trajan’s column was also shown in the movie. The column is 125 feet high and made of marble. The carvings show Roman people working on the tower. The carvings go into detail to the point where it shows what they are wearing.
The armor and weapons that were used in Spartacus were actually used by the Spartans. The common weapon that was used was a sword. As shown in the movie, some were single-swords, dual-swords, or they used a spear. The sword was usually held on their hip by a holster. They also had a shield that protected them from their opponent. Many shields have cool designs with carvings on them. Some Spartans could relate or have meaning towards their shield. When making the movie, the director wanted the audience to see the detail that was on their shields or swords.
When talking about the armor, each fighter had their own specific kind. When Spartacus was going around the towns freeing the slaves, he just simply wore a shirt that looked worn and ripped with black armor that crossed his chest. It wasn’t protective as the armor he would use in the arena, but it was something to protect him while he was riding his horse. When they were in battle, they would wear leather vests that went over their while chest. Some soldiers had fur on them, while others just had a shirt underneath. Most men were in a skirt type of thing that was also made of leather. They had a crossbody on that held their belongings and other weapons. Some Spartans wore helmets when they fought; it was more of a preference. While their opponent didn’t really have much but their clothes that they had on their body. The movie goes into great detail with their armor on their body because they want their audience to see what it was like to live in that time period. Also to show what they actually wore.
During the fights, or one-on-ones, the arm that wasn’t holding the shield has a chain sleeve. This was used to protect their arm from the weapon that their opponent used. It was something different to see because most of their chest and legs were out. The Spartan relied on their shield to protect them. When watching the movie, you the audience, could see the materials that they had to work with were very little. So, when making the armor or weapons, they had to be very careful about what was being used. Spartacus used a little shield and a small knife during the fights. He doesn’t explain why he uses what he uses.
