Spartacus
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- ANCIENT SOURCES: see Spartacus (sources)
- SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:Spartacus (subject)
Spartacus was a Thracian gladiator and leader of a slave revolt in 73-71 BCE.
Overview
There is no historical connection between Spartacus and the Jews. Spartacus was a Thracian and lived before Judea fell under Roman rule. However, the similarities with the Maccabean revolt and the fact that 6,000 of his followers were crucified, has made him a character of some interest for Jewish and Christian studies. The unlikely connection between Spartacus and the Jews was made explicit in fictional accounts, by Arthur Koestler and Howard Fast, who reckoned some Jews among Spartacus' closest followers and friends.