I am Spartacus!

15. River Silarus: Quaglietta

Roma, Lazio

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Time was finally running out for Spartacus. Both the Roman armies and winter were approaching, and after scouting the Roman's lines, Spartacus found a weakness he could exploit at Petelia, today's town of Strongoli. Waiting for a stormy winter night, Spartacus' men filled in part of the ditch with the bodies of dead captives and carcasses of animals killed for the purpose. In a desperate attempt, they broke through and escaped. Moving northwards, the slave army got as far as the headwaters of the River Silarus near the village of Quaglietta. Eventually, the pursuing Romans under Crassus' command caught up with the slave army, and the final and decisive battle ensued. The Romans won the day, but Spartacus, even with a deep thigh wound, continued to encourage his men with his sword and shield in hand. He fiercely cheered on his troops until he was eventually overcome and slain. The slaughter was brutal and many men died. Around 6,000 slaves were taken captive, but a similar number made good their escape when all hope had faded. Those who managed to avoid death or capture quickly headed northwards, desperately trying to stay clear of the Romans and reach the Alps and safety.