down the slave revolt led by Spartacus in the
south of Italy. The revolt had sparked a serious
political crisis, and his rebellion defeated even
trained Roman legions. Crassus was aware that he
had been chosen because Pompey and his forces
were unavailable (they were in Hispania), but he
was willing to make the most of this opportunity.
Commanding 10 legions, Crassus had more
men and resources than the previous com-
manders sent against Spartacus. Four units were
formed by the survivors of previous campaigns
against the slaves. In April, 71 B.C., he isolated
Spartacus and forced him to fight near the Sele
River. He dealt a stunning defeat to the slaves,
crucifying 6,000 captives along the Appian Way.
But the victory was not complete. At least 5,000
slaves had escaped and were moving toward Gaul.
Intercepting them on the way from Hispania
were Pompey and his troops. The slaves were
duly vanquished, and the remaining survivors
also crucified. While Crassus had crippled the
revolt, it was Pompey who ended it. Pompey
took credit for the victory and received another
triumph, much to the chagrin of Crassus, who
was given an ovatio (ovation), a lesser celebra-
tion with fewer honors. Recipients were given
a myrtle crown instead of the laurel awarded to
the superior class of victors.
The relationship between Pompey and Crassus
did not improve. Despite the tensions, both were
elected to a joint consulship in 70 B.C., but their
personal enmity made it an uneasy partnership.
In the following years Pompey continued to
accumulate military victories: He rid the Medi-
terranean Sea of pirates, a constant nuisance for
Roman trade. He defeated Mithradates of Pontus
(an empire mostly in modern-day Turkey). He
also campaigned against other eastern people,
from Armenia to Judaea.While Crassus had crippled
the slave revolt, it was
Pompey who ended it.BUST OF POMPEY. CA 70 B.C. LOUVRE MUSEUM, PARIS
LEEMAGE/PRISMA ARCHIVOFRANCESCO IACOBELLI/AWL-IMAGESWAY OF DEATH
The most famous Roman road, the
Appian Way connected Rome to the
Adriatic Sea. After defeating the forces
of Spartacus in 71 B.C., Crassus crucified
thousands of captured rebels along
sections of the road.