The series takes place in 73 BCE and follows the journey of Spartacus (played by Andy Whitfield in season 1 and Liam McIntyre in seasons 2-3), a Thracian gladiator who becomes the leader of a massive slave rebellion. The story begins with Spartacus, a highly skilled fighter, who is forced to fight in the arena. He becomes a favorite among the Roman crowd, but his fame also attracts the attention of the Roman general Crassus (played by Simon Merrells), who seeks to crush the growing slave uprising.