Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators

Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators

Year: 1964

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: Italian

Director: Nick Nostro

HistoryAdventureComedy

The story follows Spartacus and ten fellow gladiators who stage a rebellion against the lethal spectacles of the Coliseum. After breaking free, they are relentlessly pursued by Roman soldiers determined to recapture them, dead or alive, as they struggle to survive and reach safety.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators (1964)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators (1964). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Ancient Rome, 1st century BCE

The narrative sits in the era of gladiatorial entertainment and imperial power where public games mask political intrigue. Gladiators are both entertainers and pawns in larger political schemes. The plot hinges on rebellions and escapes that challenge the authority of the Emperor and his associates.

Location

Arena, Countryside, Varro's Villa, Rome, Sea

The action unfolds across an arena in front of an Emperor, with subsequent scenes shifting to the countryside where the gladiators travel. The story then moves to the villa of Senator Varro, a hub of political maneuvering, before hinting at a sea escape by the group. The varied settings reflect both public spectacle and private power struggles that drive the plot.

🏟️ Arena 🗺️ Countryside 🏛️ Villa Varro 🏰 Rome 🌊 Sea

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:34

Main Characters – Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators (1964)

Meet the key characters of Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators (1964), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rocca (Dan Vadis)

Rocca leads the ten-gladiator group with experience and resolve. He moves from triumph in the arena to a moral confrontation with those who profit from bloodsport, placing the safety of his men above personal gain. His sense of duty strengthens as he aligns with Spartacus and resists treachery, shaping the group’s path toward freedom.

🗡️ Leader 🛡️ Protector ⚖️ Loyal

Spartacus (Giovanni Di Benedetto)

Spartacus emerges as a defiant and cunning figure who challenges the Emperor’s authority. He strategically uses Rocca and the others to advance a larger plan for escape and revolt. His charisma and risk-taking drive the alliance between the gladiators and the resistance against their oppressors.

🗡️ Rebel 🧭 Charismatic

Lydia (Ursula Davis)

Lydia appears as a Patrician figure connected to power and slaves, hinting at a world where wealth buys influence. Her assurances of reward to those who help rescue her position her as a morally ambiguous ally. Her fortune and resources loom large in the shifting fortunes of the gladiators.

👑 Patrician 💎 Wealthy

Mute Gladiator (Sal Borgese)

A silent yet formidable presence among Rocca’s group, the Mute Gladiator communicates through action and resolve. He embodies resilience under pressure and contributes to the group’s cohesion with quiet strength. His defiance against cruel treatment highlights the fighters’ enduring spirit.

🔇 Silent 🛡️ Courageous

Young Gladiator (Vassili Karis)

Young among the Thrace gladiators, he carries the tension of a son-father dynamic within his group. He embodies the precariousness of youth forced into brutal combat and grows through the group's shared struggle for freedom. His presence underscores the personal costs of their revolt.

⚔️ Young 🗡️ Rebellious

Tipho (Giovanni Vari)

Tipho is one of Rocca’s companions whose role includes reconnaissance and participation in their broader plan. He contributes to the tactical efforts against Varro’s machinations and the pursuit of Spartacus. His presence helps illustrate the varied skills within the gladiator cohort.

🧭 Scout 🗡️ Gladiator

Gladiator Rizio (Enzo Fiermonte)

Rizio is one of the gladiators who appears in the narrative as part of the larger arena world and its rival factions. His participation marks the ongoing clash between factions that define the gladiators’ dangerous environment. He represents the enduring rivalry and grit of seasoned fighters.

🗡️ Rival 🛡️ Veteran

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:34

Major Themes – Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators (1964)

Explore the central themes of Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators (1964), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Freedom & Rebellion

Gladiators imprisoned by circumstance seek liberty beyond the arena’s walls. The group’s pursuit of escape underscores a desire to redefine destiny rather than remain enslaved to those who control their fate. Spartacus’ resistance serves as a focal point around which Rocca and the others mobilize. The narrative presents freedom as a costly, collective struggle rather than a simple act.

🔥 Loyalty & Betrayal

Loyal bonds form among Rocca and his men as they navigate treachery from managers and powerful patrons. Yet loyalty is tested when personal interests supersede collective goals, revealing how quickly alliances can fracture. The tension between staying true to comrades and pursuing self-preservation drives key turning points. Betrayal becomes a catalyst for vengeance and renewed resolve.

⚖️ Power & Manipulation

Varro’s political savvy and Chimbro’s covert plots expose how power brokers exploit gladiators for leverage. The manager’s loud punishments contrasted with behind-the-scenes manipulation illustrate a system where justice is tempered by profit. Spartacus reshapes the balance of power by resisting capture and by rallying others to a shared cause. The story turns on how control over people and information can steer outcomes.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:34

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators

Don't stop at just watching — explore Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators Summary

Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators Timeline

Track the full timeline of Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators Timeline

More About Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators