Spartacus: The Gladiator
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  • Published: 1 August 2012
  • ISBN: 9780099561927
  • Imprint: Arrow
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 528
  • RRP: $24.99
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Spartacus: The Gladiator

(Spartacus 1)

Formats & editions
EBook
2 Feb 2012
Audiobook
19 Jan 2012
Paperback
1 Aug 2012
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The first of two epic novels which tell the story of one of the most charismatic heroes history has ever known - Spartacus, the gladiator slave who took on and nearly defeated the might of Rome, during the years 73-71 BC.

In historical terms we know very little about Spartacus the man - partly because most contemporary Roman historians were keen to obliterate his memory and prevent him from attaining mythic status. This of course is grist to the novelist's mill. Ben Kane's brilliant novel begins in the Thracian village to which Spartacus has returned, after escaping from life as an auxiliary in the Roman army. But here he quickly falls foul of his overlord, the Thracian king, who has set his heart on Dionysian priestess, Ariadne - later to become wife of Spartacus. Betrayed again to the Romans by his jealous king, Spartacus - and with him Ariadne - are taken in captivity to the school of gladiators at Capua. it is here - against the unbelievable brutality of gladiatorial life - that Spartacus and Crixus the Gaul plan the audacious overthrow of their Roman masters, escaping to Vesuvius, where they recruit and train a huge slave army - an army which will keep the might of Rome at bay for two years and create one of the most extraordinary legends in history. SPARTACUS; THE GLADIATOR takes the story up to the moment when the slave army has inflicted its first great defeat on Rome.
  • Published: 1 August 2012
  • ISBN: 9780099561927
  • Imprint: Arrow
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 528
  • RRP: $24.99
Categories:
Share…

About the author

Ben Kane

‘History is more than facts on a page. It’s the sounds, the smells, the people, the passion. History should make you think: “I was there”. My books are born from my obsession with Roman history. I’ve followed Spartacus’s trail across Italy. I’ve stood at Cannae and pictured Hannibal’s army meeting the massed legions of Rome. I’ve watched the sea lapping against the fortifications of Syracuse, besieged by the Romans for close to two years. Immerse yourself in these incredible stories and – like me – remind yourself why the legend of Rome endures.’ To find out more about BEN KANE, his world and his novels, visit: www.benkane.net. Twitter@@BenKaneAuthor / Facebook.com/benkanebooks

portrait photo of Ben Kane

Also by Ben Kane

Eagles in the Storm
Hunting the Eagles
The Arena (A gripping short story in the bestselling Eagles of Rome series)
Eagles at War
The Shrine (A gripping short story in the bestselling Eagles of Rome series)
Hannibal: Clouds of War
Hannibal: Fields of Blood
See all

Praise for Spartacus: The Gladiator

Gritty, passionate and violent, this thrilling book is a real page-turner and a damn good read. It brings Spartacus - and ancient Rome - to vivid, colourful life

Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire

Ben Kane manages to bring a freshness to the saga ... Told with Kane's usual panache and historical knowledge, this book is highly recommended

Kathy Stevenson Daily Mail

Eyes are merciless, blows are wicked and screams are piercing, but this is a compulsive if relentless story, vividly recounted in muscular prose. Definitely one for the boys

Daily Telegraph, 4 stars

Like many choosing to read a book like this, I was seeking an active and exciting plot, and in this respect, Spartacus: The Gladiator delivers handily

Medieval Bookworm

If you want to become familiar with the lanista and the rudus, to know your scutum from your licium, then Kane's your man ... plenty of action

Independent

Spartacus has returned home to Thrace to find a new king has usurped his throne. He is seized and then sold to a Roman slave trader but he is a fighter and is destined for greater things. Historically little is known about the real Spartacus but in the hands of Ben Kane his legend has been crafted into two fantastic novels and this is the first.

Charlotte Vowden, Daily Express

A breathless romp…a real feel for the grit and the mad excitement of fighting and a fascination with a culture, Rome, that was obsessed with blood-lust.

History Today