Michał N. Faszcza Pultusk Academy of Humanities e-mail: michalfaszcza@o2.pl The social perception of the Spartacus Revolt and the decimation of Crassus’ soldiers in 71 BC 1 Abstract: In 71 BC Marcus Licinius Crassus ordered to decimate the soldiers who fed in the face of the enemy. Te situation was serious, because the Romans sufered constant defeats in battles against Spartacus’ troops, consisting mainly of former slaves and poor. Te problem was that the decimation was illegal, but Crassus was not punished for his decision. Te key question therefore is why the behavior of Crassus has gained social acceptance. To fnd the answer, it is necessary to take into account not only the circumstances in which Crassus received his command, but also similar episodes known from the history of Rome. Tis may enrich our knowledge about the Roman understanding of legality as well as the social context of law application. Key words: the Spartacus' Revolt, Crassus, decimation, Roman military discipline I n 71 BC Marcus Licinius Crassus issued an order to decimate 500 soldiers who had escaped from the battlefeld in the face of enemy. 2 In the eyes of the Ro- mans the behaviour of the soldiers was particularly blameworthy because their opponents were Spartacus’ troops consisting mainly of former slaves. 3 It was not an honourable enemy therefore victorious Crassus received only the ovatio instead of a triumph. 4 Crassus decided that if the soldiers do not display a proper motivation to fght then they should be forced to listen to orders by fear. As a result of the decima- 1 Te author want to thank prof. Ewa Wipszycka from the University of Warsaw for her valuable comments about the Roman legal culture in the Republican period. 2 Plut., Crass., 10.2–3; App., BC, 1.118.549–550. Cf. Sall., Hist., 4.22 M. 3 Kamienik 1984, 45–49, 56–61; Le Bohec 2016, 107–126. 4 MRR, 2.123.