Spartacus and the Ten Gladiators

Rocca and his nine fellow gladiators complete a triumphal show in the arena in front of the Emperor. Their buoyant mood collapses as a group of Thracian gladiators is ordered to kill each other until only one remains. One of the gladiators who had stopped the son from killing his father then hurls his sword toward the Emperor's box, signaling the volatile turn of events.

The manager begins flogging the defiant gladiator, but Rocca intervenes to stop the punishment. The tense moment underscores the precarious position of Rocca and his men. The manager's mood hints at harsh consequences to come for the survivors.

Chimbro arrives with an offer to buy the surviving gladiators and promises they will suffer lifelong torment instead of an easy death. The manager approves the plan and Rocca and his men are blacklisted from future arena appearances, sealing their exile. The threat of a new master plan hangs over their heads as they head toward an uncertain road.

The hungry gladiators travel through the countryside and interrupt a bandit attack on a caravan carrying the Patrician woman Livia. They rescue Livia and her people, and she promises a reward from her wealthy father. They are dismayed when told that several of Livia's slaves are mortally wounded, but she reassures them that she can replace them with more slaves from her holdings.

Over dinner at Senator Varro's villa, Varro offers Rocca and his men the opportunity to perform in any venue they wish, signaling a chance to regain status. He hints at using their talents to advance his own aims, revealing the political intrigue underpinning their future.

Chimbro tells Varro that he failed to capture Spartacus, whom Varro claims is behind raids. In truth, Chimbro leads Varro's private army disguised as bandits, keeping Varro unaware of the deception. The scene exposes the treacherous web surrounding the group.

Rocca and his men propose to capture Spartacus and bring him to justice, insisting they possess the capability that Chimbro lacked. Varro believes in their ability and moves forward with the plan. The alliance takes shape as they set their sights on Spartacus.

A reconnaissance raid on Spartacus' camp shows the rebels defending their leader; Spartacus is revealed to be the gladiator who stopped the son, threatened the Emperor, and escaped from Chimbro. The revelation redefines loyalties and raises the stakes for Rocca's mission.

Rocca and his men propose that Spartacus will pay the ransom for himself and all his escaped slaves to Varro once they escape Rome by sea. The arrangement highlights Spartacus's leverage and Varro's opportunism, creating a precarious alliance.

Varro betrays Rocca and his men, imprisoning them and raiding Spartacus' camp. The alliance fractures as treachery erupts, forcing Rocca into a desperate struggle for freedom. The balance of power shifts dramatically in Rome's shadow.

Rocca and his men escape from Varro's prison and plan vengeance against Varro, reaffirming their loyalty to Spartacus. They set their sights on confronting Varro and continuing the struggle from the shadows. The group steels themselves for the battles ahead.

With their escape, Rocca and his men reaffirm loyalty to Spartacus and commit to the rebellion against Rome. They prepare to join forces with Spartacus and strike back against Varro's schemes. The future remains uncertain, but their resolve is clear.