Spartacus (c. 109–71 BCE) is a famous leader of the slaves in the Third Servile War, a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic.

Little is known about Spartacus beyond the events of the war, and surviving historical accounts are sometimes contradictory and may not always be reliable.

Nevertheless, all sources agree that he was a former gladiator and an accomplished military leader.

Spartacus's struggle, often interpreted as an example of oppressed people fighting for their freedom against a slave-owning oligarchy, has found new meaning since the 19th century.

The story of Spartacus has also proven inspirational to many modern authors of literature, history, political commentary, film, and television.