Spartacus was one of main slaves who had escaped during the Third Servile War, a slave-led uprising against the Roman Republic. Spartacus was a former gladiator who became a military leader. 70 slaves took part in this escape where they retreated to Mount Vesuvius, using vines as rope to form ladders. This illustration depicts Spartacus and the other slaves helping each other onto the mountain, assembling for war. Spartacus' wife is also present, following Spartacus through bloodshed and victory.