Crixus facts for kids

Crixus (died 72 BC) was a brave Gallic gladiator and a strong military leader. He fought alongside rebel slaves against the powerful Roman Republic in a big conflict called the Third Servile War. Crixus was born in Gaul, which is modern-day France. He was taken by the Romans and forced to become a gladiator in Capua. His name, Crixus, means "one with curly hair" in his native language.

Who Was Crixus?

In 73 BC, Crixus was part of a small group of gladiators who escaped from a training school in Capua. About 70 gladiators broke free. They quickly defeated a small Roman force sent to catch them. After this victory, they set up camp on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.

News of their escape spread quickly. Soon, many other enslaved people joined them. The group chose Crixus, along with Spartacus and Oenomaus, to be their leaders. Later, other brave Gauls like Castus and Gannicus also became generals under Spartacus.

The Rebel Army's Early Victories

This movement became known as the Third Servile War. The escaped slaves won many battles. They even tricked the Roman army at Mount Vesuvius. The rebels climbed down the cliffs and attacked the Roman camp from behind. This surprise attack was a huge success.

Because of these early wins, thousands of other enslaved people joined their cause. The rebel army grew very large, possibly reaching as many as 150,000 fighters.

Why Did Crixus Separate from Spartacus?

Towards the end of 73 BC, Crixus and about 30,000 of his followers separated from Spartacus. Historians are not entirely sure why this happened.

One idea is that Crixus and his group wanted to raid the Roman countryside. They might have even wanted to march on Rome itself. Spartacus, however, wanted to lead his followers across the Alps to reach Gaul and find freedom. Another idea is that the split was a planned military move by both leaders to achieve their goals. However, Spartacus's actions later on make this second idea less clear.

Crixus's Final Battle

Whatever the reason for the split, Crixus's group met a Roman army in 72 BC. This Roman army was led by the consul Lucius Gellius Publicola. The battle happened near Mount Gargano.

The Roman legions were set up defensively on top of a hill. Crixus and his army tried three times to attack up the steep slope. Sadly, they were unsuccessful. Two-thirds of Crixus's army was lost in this fight. Crixus himself fought very bravely, but he was killed during the battle.

When Spartacus heard about Crixus's defeat, he honored his fallen friend. He held mock gladiatorial games where captured Roman soldiers were forced to fight to the death. Either 300 or 400 Romans were sacrificed to honor Crixus.

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