EPICS 01.3 - Spartacus -- Part Four and Five

[Zeljka]

PART FOUR: Which concerns Marcus Tullius Cicero and his interest in the origin of the Great Servile War.

PART FIVE: Being an account of Lentelus Gracchus, some of his memories, and some particulars of his stay at the Villa Salaria.

[Joanne]

I am not sure where I am in this story but I think I am somewhere in part V. Just to be sure, I'll put spoiler alerts This is where some major fighting happens in the arena.(view spoiler)[The Alecian almost kills the Jew and then when the Jew overpowers him, the Jew does not kill the Alecian. Then the black man pretends to go mad instead of killing Spartacus. Spartacus remains alive to plot the slave rebellion. Some awful things happen there. I continue to be appalled by the way the Romans turn to other human beings and bloodshed for entertainment. I had nightmares of this after last night's superbowl. I thought, are we that far from the Roman arenas? Of course, there is not that much blood shed but there still is some. When a person on the other team gets injured or fumbles a play are we not happy?(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Joanne]

I found the slave revolt fascinating. Its hard to imagine that the slaves would have the power to overcome the Roman soldiers. I can imagine it from Howard Fast's writing though. The Roman's had the strength in heavy weapons but the slaves had strength in numbers and the ability to use weapons such as rocks that could cover much more distance than spears. There was then a dream of an idealistic society of brotherhood by Spartacus. That society would consist of men who would only have one wife and never force a woman to have sex with them. How would such rules be enforced between so many men? It's a beautiful dream though.

[Alana]

Joanne wrote: "It's a beautiful dream though. "

Isn't it, though? Definitely a dream, but one we should aspire to.

I hope that we aren't at the level of the Roman Games, with the level of bloodshed, but yes, Joanne, I think you make a good point about some of our sporting events and other entertainments that give us pleasure by watching people fail (American Idol, anyone?) as much as watching someone succeed.

[Joanne]

Alana wrote: "Joanne wrote: "It's a beautiful dream though. "

Isn't it, though? Definitely a dream, but one we should aspire to.

I hope that we aren't at the level of the Roman Games, with the level of bloodsh..."Thanks Alana. Nice to know someone came on this thread!

[Alana]

It's a great book, I'm surprised I hadn't gotten around to it sooner!