Spartacus was a pivotal figure in ancient Rome, known primarily for leading a major slave revolt against the Roman Republic known as the Third Servile War (73-71 BCE). A Thracian gladiator, Spartacus escaped from a gladiatorial school in Capua and gathered a large following of enslaved people. His leadership and military tactics challenged Roman authority and garnered support from various disaffected individuals. Although his rebellion ultimately failed and he was killed in battle, Spartacus became a symbol of resistance against oppression and has been immortalized in literature and popular culture as a champion of freedom.