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Back Print Name Class Date CHAPTER Spartacus in the Slave Revolt The frenzied fans jostled for the best view as the muscular gladiators marched into the amphitheater. It seemed as if all of Rome had turned out for the spectacle even though the midday sun beat down unmercilessly on the panting crowds. But who wanted to miss seeing the lions as they lunged against these men armed with the crudest of weapons? And besides, even if the gladiators killed the beasts, the men would turn on each other for the final phase of the fight. And that fight to the death was perhaps what the crowds loved even more than the sight of a starving lion feasting on a fallen gladiator. Today’s games were even more popular than usual because the gladiators had come from Lentulus Batiates’ gladiator school in Capua, southeast of Rome. Batiates had a reputation for training his slaves in the deadly sport. Seldom did any of his gladiators show cowardice. And they always rewarded the crowds with what they wanted most— bloody combat. As long as the gladiators entertained the crowds, no one seemed to care how cruel conditions were at Batiates’ school. After all, gladiators were only slaves and convicted criminals, and masters could treat these slaves as they wished. The Beginnings of the Revolt Facing a future of almost certain death, the gladiators seemed powerless to resist Batiates and his cruel staff. Powerless, that is, until a remarkable leader—Spartacus, a slave from Thrace— emerged in their midst. According to the Roman historian Plutarch, Spartacus was destined for fame. When he was first brought to the slave market in Rome, a snake coiled itself on his face while he slept—a sure omen that Spartacus would hold great power but would meet a tragic fate. Whether Plutarch’s story is true or false, Spartacus did indeed rise to great power. Unwilling to meekly submit to the cruelty of Batiates’ school any longer, Spartacus led 78 gladiators in a bold escape in 73 B.C. The escapees crept through the city of Capua stealing gladiatorial weapons and hiking to nearby Vesuvius where they set up camp. Early Successes Spartacus drilled his men into a superb fighting force that defeated legion after legion that the 12 Romans sent to return them to a life of bondage. With each victory, the slaves looted the fallen legionaries of weapons and armor and prepared for the next onslaught of soldiers. Terrified, the Romans dispatched the praetor Clodius and a force of 3,000 to annihilate the troublesome slaves. Clodius’ force besieged the gladiators, closing the only pass up the mountainside. Facing certain starvation on the mountain, Spartacus craftily ordered his men to cut down the sturdy vines that grew there and fashion ladders. Stealthily using the vines along the steep precipices, all of Spartacus’ men escaped the mountain and attacked the unsuspecting Romans from the rear. Once again, a motley band of slaves had defeated the forces of the Roman Republic. And so it went throughout the rest of 73 B.C. and 72 B.C. As word of the revolt spread, slaves throughout Italy crept away from their masters to join the rebels. Almost overnight it seemed, Spartacus had become the leader of 70,000 men hungering for revenge and liberty. The men labored night and day to manufacture their own weapons and to learn military maneuvers that would defeat the legions that they knew the terrified Romans would send. And their labors paid off. Legion after legion of mighty Rome fell before the slaves as Spartacus led his troops toward the Alps. Divisions Among the Gladiators Spartacus wanted to lead his men to freedom outside Italy, but something happened along the way. The formerly well-disciplined troops suddenly refused to obey their leader. Flushed by the excitement of victories over the Romans, the men broke away to loot the cities of northern Italy. Suddenly Spartacus, with reduced manpower, found his way north blocked by formidable legions. With no place left to turn, Spartacus ordered his men south. For a while the slaves were again unified and defeated more legions. But yet again the slaves rejected Spartacus as leader and divided. Seizing upon this opportunity, the Roman Crassus surrounded a force of 12,300 slaves and hacked them to death in a fierce battle. PROFILES IN HISTORY Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. 7 PROFILES IN HISTORY Back Print Final Defeat Reviewing Profiles On a separate sheet of paper, write the answers to the questions below. 1. Interpreting Ideas Why was Spartacus considered a hero? 2. Evaluating Ideas Why did Spartacus terrify the Romans? 3. Analyzing Ideas How do you think the history of Rome would have been different if Spartacus had succeeded in crossing the Alps? Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. As Spartacus’ cause became even bleaker, the Romans sent reinforcements. Faced with such overwhelming opposition, Spartacus led his men into a final battle rather than surrender. Surrounded by Roman soldiers, Spartacus fought bravely. Mortally wounded, he continued to fight. Finally, he collapsed, his body so mutilated by this last combat that it could not even be identified. Most of Spartacus’ troops died beside their leader. Those who did escape were savagely hunted down and rounded up. As a warning to other slaves who might revolt, the Romans crucified 6,000 slaves on the Appian Way—the main highway of Italy—and left the bodies hanging in their tortured agony for months. The revolt had been crushed. And the slavery on which Rome so depended continued to play a role in Roman society as it changed from republic to empire. PROFILES IN HISTORY 13 Print proposed a sentence. The jury chose one of the two proposals. 4. Answers will vary. Students who agree may suggest that Socrates chose to die, since he refused to compromise on his sentence or escape prison when given the chance. Students who disagree may suggest that the blame for Socrates’ death should be put on his accusers or the jury who condemned him. 5. Historians should be cautious concerning the information on Socrates written by Plato and his other students because they may have been biased regarding their former teacher. Profiles in History Chapter 7 1. Spartacus was considered a hero because he bravely led a revolt of slaves fighting for their freedom against overwhelming odds. 2. The Romans were terrified of Spartacus and his vast number of slaves because they feared that if the slaves were victorious, they might turn on the population of Rome. Also, the Roman economy depended heavily on slavery, and if the slave revolt was successful, the Roman economy would collapse. 3. Answers will vary. Students may suggest that Spartacus and his followers could have set up their own country separate from Rome, which might have undermined the Roman Empire. Profiles in History Chapter 8 1. Justinian had a strong personality, which was seen in the type of leadership he provided for his country. He apparently had an autocratic side, which was evidenced by the way in which he initially handled the trouble between the Blues and Greens. However, he also had a compromising side, seen in his later attempt to reach an agreement with the rebels. 2. The Nika Rebellion began over competition between the Blues and Greens, two competing racing teams. When the competition turned into full-scale riots between fans, Justinian punished the leaders. The fans on both sides demanded pardon for two of their leaders, and when Justinian refused, a riot broke out. 3. Constantinople was called the “wonder of the world” because of its great wealth. It could resist attackers because taxes and custom duties paid for ships, soldiers, and peace treaties. This allowed its power to grow. Constantinople was also a beautiful city with majestic palaces and public buildings, and its citizens were able to enjoy many cultural and athletic events. 4. Answers will vary. Students may mention some of Justinian’s qualities such as courage, determination, and the ability to compromise when necessary. 66 ANSWER KEY Profiles in History Chapter 9 1. Things such as the political impact of the wedding, the assessment of Arjumand’s dowry and family, and the time that the court astrologers deemed favorable, had to be taken into consideration before Prince Khurram and Arjumand could be married. 2. Following Mumtaz Mahal’s death, Shah Jahan locked himself in his room for eight days, and when he emerged, his black hair had turned white. Jahan’s appearance stunned his courtiers and advisers. 3. Mumtaz Mahal’s dying request to her husband was to build a monument to her that was so perfect and pure that anyone looking at it would be reduced to tears. 4. The building of the Taj Mahal could be considered an international achievement because artists, craftworkers, and artisans from all over the known world took part in its construction. In addition, precious stones and metals used in the construction of the Taj Mahal came from many different countries. 5. The Taj Mahal may be called a “dream in marble” because of its breathtaking and magical visual qualities, particularly when sunlight or moonlight reflect off the marble. Profiles in History Chapter 10 1. Duke William of Normandy was angry about Harold Godwinson’s ascending the throne of England because originally William was named heir to the throne by his cousin Edward the Confessor, king of England. Also, Harold had previously sworn an oath to William that he would help him gain the throne. 2. Halley’s Comet was the natural phenomenon seen by people in 1066 and interpreted as an omen foretelling great changes. 3. Harold’s victory at Stamford Bridge was due to speed the of Harold’s army, which led to a surprise attack. 4. Harold believed that his claim to the English throne was stronger than William’s because Harold was named heir by Edward on his deathbed, and Harold believed deathbed wishes to be sacred. 5. Answers will vary. Students may suggest that Harold might have won had he been better prepared, or waited a few days longer in London to increase the size of his army. They may also add that he should have warned the troops against the Norman tactic of false retreat. Students may also suggest that William’s tactics, such as having his archers fire high in the air, were the reasons for Harold’s defeat. Profiles in History Chapter 11 1. The longbow originated in Wales. PROFILES IN HISTORY Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved. Back