The Crucifixions on the Appian Way was an infamous event which took place during the end of the Third Servile War, following the final battle between the rebel leader Spartacus and Marcus Licinius Crassus. It took place around May, 71 BC.
Event
Crassus had captured around 6,000 rebels from his victory against Spartacus' main force in Campania. At first, Crassus perhaps was only intending to crucify his captives along the Silarus river. However, news arrived that Pompey and his returning Legions had defeated the remaining rebels in Etruria, claiming he alone had ended Spartacus' rebellion. Refusing to let Pompey take credit for finally defeating Spartacus, Crassus decided to crucify his prisoners along the Appian Way, from Capua to Rome. This was intended to both remind Rome of what he had done, and to send a warning to all other slaves who rebelled against their masters. The prisoners were marched, many carrying their own crosses, across 75 miles from the Silarus river to Capua. After being nailed to their crosses one by one, they were placed at most, 60 yards apart from one another. It's possible that some rebels were also crucified along the Via Latina, another road from Capua to Rome.
The rebels were left for death, many dying each day from pain, heat exhaustion, starvation and thirst. They were not taken down for weeks if not months afterwards, rotting and being eaten upon by scavengers. Many slaves were deliberately taken along the Via Appia by their masters, so they would know that this fate awaited them should they attempt to also rebel. Eventually, the corpses were taken down, and either burned or buried in an unmarked mass grave.
Crucified rebels
- Main Article: Crucified rebels (Third Servile War)