Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment.
The Romans, in an effort to protect their homeland, seek the help of Thracian warrior Spartacus and his team of fighters. After a violent incident, Spartacus must enter the gladiator ring to face his punishment from the Romans.
Enslaved in gladiatorial school, the newly christened Spartacus must try to suppress his desire for vengeance when his new master promises to reunite him with his wife.
Though Spartacus proved himself during training and now wears the attire of a gladiator, his coarse attitude and relentless quest to see his wife isolates him from his fellow gladiators and Doctore.
Having performed shamefully in the arena against Crixus, Spartacus is forced to fight in the Pits. Batiatus, determined to profit from Spartacus, may be at risk if his debts aren't repaid.
Batiatus is presented with a gladiatorial opportunity of a lifetime. Spartacus and Crixus must overcome their mutual hostility to fight as a team against a legendary and unbeaten opponent.
Lies, distrust and duplicity plague the house of Batiatus and impact the hopes of both Barca and Spartacus, who have benefited from good fortune and envision a future away from the grounds. Barca expects to buy his and his male lover's way out, while Spartacus anticipates his promised reunion with his enslaved wife, part of his reward for a monumental victory in the arena. But just in case things go wrong, Spartacus dreams and schemes an escape plan.
Overcome by the pressure of Batiatus's control, Spartacus must make a choice: leave his past behind and assume the mantle of a champion gladiator, or die.
Numerius is honored with an exhibition match for his birthday celebration at the ludus. Ilithyia gives Numerius a surprising gift, but asks for something in return.
Lucretia and Batiatus await the arrival of Glaber with the intentions to receive his patronage, while Spartacus focuses his attention on his plan for revenge.
Spartacus realizes that becoming the leader of a mass of freed slaves can be challenging and he struggles to keep the rebellious group intact when news of Claudius Glaber's arrival in Capua reaches him.
Spartacus and his men liberate a Roman villa, but its slaves are wary. Oenomaus throws himself into the brutal Pits, and Glaber supports Lucretia’s prophecies, despite Ilithyia’s protests.
Spartacus is forced to mediate when the gladiators are close to divide into groups after news of Naevia's fate reaches them. Lucretia exchanges a long-held secret for some information and an attack puts the rebels at risk.
Spartacus seeks the safety of the woods for his surviving men while Crixus finds himself revisiting past horrors. Meanwhile, Lucretia spies Ilithyia's affairs.
In an ironic twist of fate, a gladiator from the house of Batiatus will stand in the way of Spartacus trying to free Crixus from Roman captivity. Ilithyia's scheming puts her marriage to Glaber at risk.
Spartacus and his rebels train hard to keep their new sanctuary safe while Glaber's forces are made stronger with the enlistment of some new deadly recruits. Lucretia and Ilithyia become close again.
Spartacus and his group of rebels attempt to free those who became slaves by falling in foreign wars while Lucretia manages to recruit one of her husband's former gladiators.
Spartacus has to once again use his leadership skills to convince his band of rebels to unite against the Roman assault. Lucretia struggles to get rid of those men standing in the way of her fate.
Spartacus continues to build a formidable army and outwit Romes best commanders. The powers of the Empire are forced to turn to wealthy, ambitious Marcus Crassus to aid the campaign.
Spartacus considers striking a deal with a band of marauders to ensure his people stay supplied and fed. Crassus's son Tiberius makes a bold and fateful decision.
The possible infiltration of a Roman spy causes tension to mount between Spartacus and his men. Crassus resurrects a long abandoned form of Roman punishment to teach his soldiers a brutal lesson.
As Crassus leads an onslaught against the rebel-occupied city, Gannicus finds himself trapped behind enemy lines. Tiberius is tasked by Crassus to hold a celebration in honor of a man he despises.
Their forces trapped on an impassable, snowbound ridge, Spartacus and Crixus clash over the method of escape. Crassus discovers it increasingly difficult to control the actions of those closest to him.
Spartacus and the rebels arrive at a crossroads. With the relentless Crassus driving his men hard in the pursuit of Spartacus, the conflict between Tiberius and Caeser escalates.
Crassus learns that a fellow prominent Roman is attempting to steal the glory of defeating Spartacus. Spartacus aims to secure a bargaining chip he can use against the Romans.