Die Inspiration hinter dieser Serie ist der thrakische Gladiator Spartacus, der einen Sklavenaufstand gegen die Römische Republik führte.
Die Thraker wurden von Claudius Glaber überredet, als Hilfstruppen in den römischen Legionen in einer Kampagne gegen die Getae zu dienen, die oft thrakische Ländereien geplündert hatten.
However after Glaber reneges on the deal and switches his attentions from the Getae to attack Mithridates in Asia Minor, the Thracians feel betrayed and mutiny.
Captured by Glaber, Spartacus is condemned to death as a Gladiator, whilst his wife Sura is condemned to slavery.
Spartacus, however, proves to be a formidable gladiator, and defeats the four gladiators tasked with executing him.
He becomes a favorite of the crowd, leading Senator Albinius to commute his death sentence to a life of slavery.
Spartacus is purchased by Batiatus for gladiator training, who promises to help him find Sura if he proves himself in training.
As the series develops, the story follows the betrayals and machinations of Roman life and a tale of one man's heroic quest for vengeance.