Spartacus: War of the Damned (2010– )
"Spartacus: Blood and Sand" (original title)

Watch the story of history's greatest gladiator unfold with graphic violence and explicit sex. This is Spartacus.

Creator:

Steven S. DeKnight

Stars:

Manu Bennett, Daniel Feuerriegel, Lucy Lawless

1 win & 8 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Manu Bennett	...	Crixus (33 episodes, 2010-2013)
Daniel Feuerriegel	...	Agron (26 episodes, 2010-2013)
Peter Mensah	...	Doctore (23 episodes, 2010-2013)
Lucy Lawless	...	Lucretia (23 episodes, 2010-2012)
Nick Tarabay	...	Ashur (21 episodes, 2010-2012)
Viva Bianca	...	Ilithyia (21 episodes, 2010-2012)
Liam McIntyre	...	Spartacus (20 episodes, 2012-2013)
Pana Hema Taylor	...	Nasir (19 episodes, 2012-2013)
Cynthia Addai-Robinson	...	Naevia (18 episodes, 2012-2013)
Heath Jones	...	Donar (17 episodes, 2012-2013)
Dustin Clare	...	Gannicus (16 episodes, 2012-2013)
Katrina Law	...	Mira (15 episodes, 2010-2012)
Ellen Hollman	...	Saxa (14 episodes, 2012-2013)
Barry Duffield	...	Lugo (14 episodes, 2012-2013)

Storyline

The inspiration behind this series is the Thracian Gladiator Spartacus, who led a slave uprising against the Roman Republic. The Thracians had been persuaded by Claudius Glaber to serve as auxiliaries in the Roman legions in a campaign against the Getae, who had often plundered Thracian lands. However after Glaber reneges on the deal and switches his attentions from the Getae to attack Mithridates in Asia Minor, the Thracians feel betrayed and mutiny. Captured by Glaber, Spartacus is condemned to death as a Gladiator, whilst his wife Sura is condemned to slavery. Spartacus, however, proves to be a formidable gladiator, and defeats the four gladiators tasked with executing him. He becomes a favorite of the crowd, leading Senator Albinius to commute his death sentence to a life of slavery. Spartacus is purchased by Batiatus for gladiator training, who promises to help him find Sura if he proves himself in training. As the series develops, the story follows the betrayals and machinations...

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Plot Keywords:

gladiator | roman | training | slavery | death | 

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Taglines:

Some legends are written in blood.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Biography | Drama | History

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Facebook [uk]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 January 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Spartacus

Filming Locations:

Auckland, New Zealand

Company Credits

Production Co:

Starz Media, Starz Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD

Did You Know?

Trivia

Recent research on Gladiator tombs in present day Turkey indicate that the fighters may have been on vegetarian diets, that likely consisted of grains and beans that would increase their body sizes around their abdomens. This essentially added a layer of body fat and muscle to protect their internal organs when stabbed or sliced. Some murals depict gladiators with literal barrel-like chests.

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Quotes

Batiatus: [referring to Ilithyia] The snake arrives, walking as if human

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Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: 2010 Tournament of Champions Quarterfinal 4 (2010)

User Reviews

A Little Too Much Sex, But a Whole Lot of Fun

I've been looking very forward to the Starz original series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand." And I'm happy to say that if you were looking forward to it, you're in for a wild ride.

They tell you right in the front of this show that this is meant to be an intense depiction of Rome. And it is to a certain point. There is definitely a ton of blood, language, and sexuality (one of the female characters is fully naked), but it is all there for a reason and it defines the characters, shows you who they are.

Many won't like this the same way they didn't like 300. And I can say that no one will be able to watch this without thinking about 300, and that's the biggest flaw. It has a speed up slow motion and blood flowing everywhere. It is one of the most graphic TV shows I've ever seen.

However, if you liked 300 (which I did) and you see the slow motion as a way to rise the intensity and that the graphic violence/sexual content is meant to connect with the characters towards some degree, you will enjoy this show. But it's not only a story full of blood and gore and sex and nudity; it also has a lot of character to it and a lot of substance.

Andy Whitfield is brilliant as "Spartacus." He drives the character and makes you feel for him. His acting is perfect. In fact, all the actors are incredible, including Lucy Lawless, Craig Parker, and John Hannah.

The battle scenes in this show are outstanding. Again, very bloody, 300 style battles, but still entertaining. The gladiator fights are well shot and very gritty.

I know it's television and the visuals aren't always the best, best the visuals in this show are gorgeous. There was one moment where it looked like a video game, but only for a second.

it's not only a story full of blood and gore and sex and nudity; it also has a lot of character to it and a lot of substance.

So if you like sword and sandal epics and you don't mind gore and nudity, Spartacus: Blood and Sand is the show for you. I personally thought it was a fun, kick ass, macho show, and while it does have a little too much sex and reminds me a lot about 300, it'll definitely keep my attention for the next episode.

Spartacus: Blood and Sand airs on Friday at 10 o' clock on Starz.