Spartacus, a defiant Thracian who has lived his entire life in bondage, is purchased by Batiatus, a trainer of gladiators. After enduring weeks of rigorous training designed to prepare him for combat in the arena, Spartacus revolts against his captors. He inspires his fellow slaves to rise up alongside him. As they journey from one town to the next, their group grows larger as more escaped slaves join their cause. Led by Spartacus, they head towards southern Italy with the aim of crossing the sea to return to their homelands.