Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
Season 1
Before Spartacus struck down his first opponent in the arena, there were many gladiators who passed through the gates onto the sand.'Spartacus: Gods of the Arena' tells the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus, in a more ruthless time before Spartacus' arrival where honor was just finding its way into the arena.
Where to Watch Season 1
6 Episodes
- Paterfamilias
E3PaterfamiliasBatiatus is pleased with arranging Varis' primus but is caught off guard by the return of his father, Titus, who dismisses his son's abilities. Titus laughs at Gannicus representing the house in the games and seeks to mend relations with Tullius, undermining Batiatus' plans. While they are away, Varis returns with a friend, hoping for pleasures with slave woman Diona. In the arena, newcomer Crixus surprises everyone by killing Barca's lover Auctus, earning his place in the brotherhood. This makes Titus reconsider his views on Batiatus' abilities, leading him to decide to stay at the ludus, much to his son's dismay. - Beneath the Mask
E4Beneath the MaskTensions rise between the younger and elder Batiatus, especially in the arena where the elder asserts his authority. The Roman women struggle with his persistent presence. At the market, Gaia introduces an acquaintance to Lucretia, who comments on the pleasures of her home, but the elder Batiatus disapproves of such indulgences. His son persuades him to leave for Neapolis on a pretext of buying new slaves, with Solonius as chaperone. The evening seems promising until Tullius arrives, seeking a duel with Gannicus, which the gladiator is commanded to lose. After recovering, Gannicus shares a moment with Melitta, but Gaia's underestimation of Tullius leads to her death. The elder Batiatus's sudden return complicates matters further for Lucretia. - Reckoning
E5ReckoningAfter Gaia's death, Batiatus senior decides to eliminate her memory from their lives. Faced with his father's ultimatum to choose between his home and Lucretia, Batiatus's attempts to stall are unwelcome to Lucretia, who wants him to leave. She also plots to fulfill his desire for a son with Crixus. Titus announces a tournament for the new gladiators, with the losers facing a grim fate. Tullius visits the ludus, looking for Gannicus while offering favorable matches. Melitta and Gannicus grow closer, but Gannicus intentionally loses to allow Crixus to win and be sold to Tullius. Meanwhile, Titus, weakened by Lucretia's poisonings, is ultimately silenced by a poisoned honeyed-wine provided by Tullius. As Quintus and Doctore return, they mourn their losses. - The Bitter End
E6The Bitter EndBatiatus seeks vengeance against Tullius for his family's tragedies. Gannicus urges Batiatus to finalize his sale to Tullius to exact revenge by killing him, but Solonius advises caution. Naevia becomes Lucretia's new body-slave, promising her protection. Eventually, Tullius is trapped and bricked into the new arena's foundations, while Vettius sells his ludus to Solonius and leaves for Antioch. This creates a new rivalry for Batiatus. The opening games culminate in the execution of captured fugitives, including Diona. After winning a night battle, Gannicus receives his freedom and leaves the ludus, entrusting his champion necklace to Crixus.
