In the first century BC, the Roman Republic has slid into corruption, its menial work done by Slaves.
One slave, a Thracian named Spartacus, is so uncooperative in his position in a mining pit that he is sentenced to death by starvation.
By chance, he is displayed to Roman lanista (a gladiatorial school manager) Lentulus Batiatus, who impressed by his ferocity purchases Spartacus for his school in Capua and instructs trainer Marcellus not to overdo his indoctrination, believing the slave “has quality”.
Amid the abuse, Spartacus forms a quiet relationship with Varinia, a serving woman, with whom he refuses have sex when she is sent to his cell because he doesn’t want to force himself on her for the amusement of his captors.
The two endure numerous humiliations for defying the conditions of servitude, including Varinia’s assignment to another gladiator.