Spartacus and the Slave Wars: A Brief History with Documents

by Brent D. Shaw

In this examination of the Roman institution of slavery, Brent Shaw presents a compelling selection of the ancient testimony relating to Spartacus and the slave wars. In 73 B.C., in the heart of Rome’s Mediterranean empire, a slave named Spartacus ignited one of the most violent episodes of slave resistance in the history of the Roman Empire — indeed in the world annals of slavery. Organizing 80 original Greek and Latin source translations into topical chapters on the daily life of slaves trained as gladiators and those who labored on farms in Italy and Sicily, Shaw includes accounts of revolts that preceded and anticipated that of Spartacus. In a carefully crafted introductory essay, Shaw places Spartacus in the broader context of first and second century B.C. Roman Italy and Sicily and explains why his story continues to be a popular symbol of rebellion today. The volume also includes a glossary, chronology, selected bibliography, 3 maps, an annotated list of ancient writers, and questions for consideration.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Classics, Ancient History, Military History, War, Classical Studies

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 2001

Reviews

[Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for World History - Fall 2018

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book. After a short but comprehensive introduction that covers Roman slavery and slave rebellions, he collects excerpts from ancient texts and material evidence that help illustrate ancient slavery, slave rebellions, and the three slave wars which culminated in the Spartacus revolt of 73-71 BCE. Shaw’s translations often include notes to assist with unfamiliar vocabulary or terminology, and each section of the book is prefaced by a short introduction that summarizes its content. This is a great tool for anyone interested in Roman slavery and slave rebellions. I learned a lot from reading, and I will definitely come back to it to learn more.

[Jay Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good collection of the sources for the Servile Wars in English.

[Henry Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

a joy to read, straight from the source material.

[Connor Eberhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting collection of primary sources that are very useful plus a good rundown of the events!

[Samwise Pringlis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is surprisingly brief, and whilst I intended originally to focus my reading solely on Spartacus, the vignettes of the preceeding Servile Wars were captivating.

Spartacus inflamed history with his actions, but the power wielded by his predecessors - notably Eunus & Cleon - was equal, and the calculation and cunning of their ascension is intriguing.

I would highly recommend this text, as a starter guide to Spartacus and the wider context of the Servile Wars. It is an enjoyable read, requires little to no prior knowledge, and is very light!

[Megan]

Spartacus and the Slave Wars: A Brief History with Documents (The Bedford Series in History and Culture) by Brent D. Shaw (2001)

[Quilltips · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book of primary sources about the Greek slave wars. Not my favorite book ever, but reasonably interesting.

[David Horney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it for school. A bunch of primary sources translated by the author. Mildly interesting. Nothing special.

[Kristen Fort · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread this for NaNoWriMo research. Excellent compilation of ancient authors' text in one volume.

[Jesse Mac Dougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Video Blog Review:

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