Crassus deploys six of his legions on the borders of the region when the forces of Spartacus move northwards once again (Plutarch claims the initial battle between Crassus' legions and Spartacus' followers occurred near the Picenum region, Appian claims it occurred near the Samnium region), and detaches two legions under his legate, Mummius, to maneuver behind Spartacus, but gives them orders not to engage the rebels.

When an opportunity presents itself, Mummius disobeys, attacks the Spartacan forces, and is subsequently routed.

Despite this initial loss, Crassus engages Spartacus and defeats him, killing some six thousand of the rebels.

The tide seems to have turned in the war.

Crassus' legions are victorious in several engagements, killing thousands of the rebel slaves, and forcing Spartacus to retreat south through Lucania to the straits near Messina.

Spartacus, according to Plutarch, made a bargain with Cilician pirates to transport him and some two thousand of his men to Sicily, where he intended to incite a slave revolt and gather reinforcements.

He was betrayed, however, by the pirates, who took payment and then abandoned the rebel slaves.

Minor sources mention that there were some attempts at raft and shipbuilding by the rebels as a means to escape, but that Crassus took unspecified measures to ensure the rebels could not cross to Sicily, and their efforts were abandoned.

Spartacus' forces now retreat towards Rhegium.

Crassus' legions follow and upon arrival build fortifications across the isthmus at Rhegium, despite harassing raids from the rebel slaves.

The rebels are under siege and cut off from their supplies.