Along a 2.7-kilometer-long wall, an international team of archaeologists has uncovered a moat and ramparts in the Dosone-della-Melia forest, located in south-central Calabria. Two thousand seventy years ago, these were part of a defensive system ordered by the ancient Roman general Marcus Licinius Crassus to thwart the forces of Spartacus.
This was reported by Dr. Paolo Visona from the University of Kentucky, who led the research. According to him, the discovery was made possible thanks to a local group of ecologists who were aware of the wall’s existence but had no idea of its true historical significance.
The scientist explained that his team studied the defensive fortifications using ground-penetrating radar, lidar, and magnetometry, as well as analyzing soil samples. During the excavations, archaeologists uncovered numerous fragments of broken iron weaponry, including sword handles, large curved swords, spear tips, and a javelin head.
“We believe that Spartacus attacked this wall in an attempt to escape the trap set for him by Crassus,” Dr. Visona stated.
A Bit About the Legendary Leader of the Slave Uprising
Spartacus was a Thracian gladiator who entered history as one of the most famous leaders of a massive slave uprising against the Roman Republic from 73 to 71 B.C.
Born around 103 B.C. in what is now modern-day Bulgaria, Spartacus initially served in the Roman army before being captured and sold into slavery.
In 73 B.C., Spartacus escaped from a gladiator school in Capua along with several dozen followers, as reported by Sci.News. They found refuge on Mount Vesuvius, where they were soon joined by other runaway slaves.
Spartacus proved to be a skilled leader and tactician. He successfully defeated several Roman armies and grew his forces to approximately 70,000 men. The uprising of the runaway slave posed a serious threat to Roman authority, prompting the Senate to send several legions to suppress it. Despite initial successes, Spartacus and his army were eventually cornered by the Roman general Marcus Licinius Crassus. In 71 B.C., Spartacus’s forces were defeated in the final battle in Lucania.
According to historical accounts, Spartacus was killed, although his body was never found. While this uprising was not aimed at social revolution, it became a symbol of resistance against oppression for many generations to come.