While perhaps once relegated to the History Channel, historical fiction has risen in prominence with the advent of streaming. Everything from the Emmy darling Shōgun to Netflix’s steamy Bridgerton has captivated audiences in recent years, cementing the fact that viewers are eager not only for period pieces but also for influences from real-world history.

Indeed, the History Channel’s own Vikings had a popular run that only grew upon its streaming release, culminating in a Netflix-produced sequel series, Vikings: Valhalla. Aside from their branding as historical fiction, these shows couldn’t be more different in their subject matter, tone, or style, which goes to show the almost limitless range of the historical fiction genre.

Yet for all its possibilities, historical fiction frequently returns to one particular place and time: Ancient Rome. The Assassin’s Creed video game series has installments set in Ancient Rome, and an upcoming Netflix show based on the franchise is currently in production in Rome. The BBC and HBO collaboration, Rome, was an ambitious endeavor that succeeded in capturing a rich, dense period in history.

Though for all of television’s explorations of Ancient Rome, Starz’s Spartacus is among its best. In only three seasons, the show’s interpretation of its title character gave rise to an entire franchise comprising a prequel series, a spinoff, comics, novels, video games, and even a board game. This success is a testament not only to viewers’ interest in history, but also to the show’s unique approach to the story.

Spartacus Is One Of The Best Shows Based On Ancient Rome

From the start, its plot made Spartacus unique. The series boldly began its story at a little-known point in Spartacus’ life, before he had even earned the name of Spartacus. This allowed the show to cover new ground in an otherwise well-established story, instantly setting itself apart from its competition. Viewers’ interests were piqued. Spartacus ​​​​​​dominated streaming viewership for Starz.

Yet the show’s individuality went far beyond its plot. Dialogue is a major stylistic choice in period pieces, though most generally choose between historically accurate and contemporary dialogue with little nuance between the two. Spartacus, however, opted to stylize its use of the English language to evoke a similar sentiment to the Latin that was actually spoken in that time period.

This gave the show a unique voice, and it’s one that was well-utilized. Across its entire cast, Spartacus boasts some of historical television’s most memorable one-liners, like Batiatus’ “My ears suggest a tempest, but eyes reveal a wife gone f****** mad!”

Spartacus brought its impressive dialogue and unique narrative perspective together with well-developed characters, exciting combat, and massive stakes. Even the show’s villains were compelling, creating complex emotions in viewers that set Spartacus apart from its historical fiction counterparts.

There Could Still Be Opportunities To Expand The Spartacus Series

Spartacus‘ spinoff, House of Ashur​​​​​, was canceled after one season. However, its surprisingly successful introduction of an alternate history timeline still has the potential to open lasting doors for the franchise. House of Ashur‘​​​​​s departure from historical accuracy opens the franchise up to further Spartacus spinoffs that could unfold with no disruption to the original show’s main story.

In addition to alternate timelines, Spartacus has also had success with prequels. In the time between Spartacus seasons 1 and 2, a prequel miniseries, Gods of the Arena, was released. Gods of the Arena was so well-received that many fans consider it a part of Spartacus‘ main run, referring to it as a de facto season 2.

With both prequels and alternate timelines at its disposal, there is no shortage of avenues for Spartacus to continue to unfold on television, but the franchise could expand into other media as well. Novels, comics, and video games have all been produced to further Spartacus‘ story, and with House of Ashur​​​​​​’s cancellation, these may prove to be outlets for the show’s unfinished story.

No matter what happens next, with its sprawling franchise and singular voice, there is already more than enough to warrant a dive into Spartacus‘ world.

Release Date

2010 – 2013-00-00

Directors

Jesse Warn, Michael Hurst, Rick Jacobson, Mark Beesley, T.J. Scott, Chris Martin-Jones, Brendan Maher, Glenn Standring, Grady Hall, John Fawcett

Writers

Allison Miller, Seamus Kevin Fahey, Miranda Kwok, Tracy Bellomo, Brent Fletcher, aaron helbing, Daniel Knauf, Jed Whedon, jeffrey bell, Andrew Chambliss, Misha Green, David Kob