The fearless leader of gladiators, Spartacus. He challenged the great empire, and for three years his invincible army smashed Roman legions. The bloody monument to the victory over the brave warrior was six thousand crosses, on which the captured gladiators were crucified alive. These crosses were erected by the victors along the entire route—from the city of Capua, where the uprising began, to the walls of Rome. Noble rulers of the capital rejoiced and held lavish celebrations and new gladiatorial games. But among the people stories about the fearless Spartacus—friend of the oppressed and slaves—were passed down from generation to generation. Spread far beyond Italy, these legends have preserved to this day the memory of the freedom-loving Thracian who became a guiding beacon for all the oppressed fighting for freedom.