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The Rest Is HistoryOctober 31, 2025

Spartacus and Gladiators, with Mary Beard

About This Episode
Where did gladiatorial combat originate? Who was Spartacus, the legendary gladiator? How did he come to lead the most famous slave revolt in all Roman history? How did the rebellion unfold? And, what was Spartacus’ fate..? In the grand finale of our thrilling series on four of classical antiquity’s most notorious subjects, Tom is joined by the world renowned classicist Mary Beard, to discuss gladiators and the famous gladiator turned rebel Spartacus. Sign up to The Rest Is History Club to get the whole episode! _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Exec Producer: Dom Johnson Senior Producer: Theo Young-Smith Producer: Tabby Syrett Assistant Producer: Aaliyah Akude Video Editor: Jack Meek Social Producer: Harry Balden
Book Mentions
2 book mentions in this episode.
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Books Mentioned

Instant Classics cover

Mary Beard's main focus at the moment is her sensational podcast 'Instant Classics' with Charlotte Higgins.

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Colosseum cover

Mary Beard co-authored a book on the Colosseum, probably the most iconic building in the world.

ASIN: 039954190X
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