The Slave 1962

In 48 B.C., twenty-five years after the revolt of Spartacus, Randus has grown from a slave into a capable soldier within the Roman army, stationed in Alexandria, Egypt. He earns a promotion to centurion from his commander, Julius Caesar, and is entrusted with a crucial mission: travel to Zeugma in the eastern provinces to uncover the secret plots of the local governor, Crassus.

Randus sets sail on a war galley, joined by his decurion ally Lumonius, a Germanic servant named Beroz, an ambitious Gallic officer named Vetius, and Vetius’ sister Claudia. Shortly after departure from Alexandria, Randus befriends a young Egyptian slave named Saida. On a foggy night, the galley strikes a hidden reef and Saida is thrown overboard. Randus dives in to save her, but the vessel pulls away, and the two are washed ashore. They decide to trek across the desert, hoping to find water and supplies.

Their journey leads them to a Berber-guarded slave caravan working for Crassus, and they are captured and folded into the slave ranks. Among the other captives is Gulbar, an ex-gladiator and survivor of Spartacus’ army, who recognizes Randus as Spartacus’s heir after spotting Spartacus’ amulet around Randus’ neck. Gulbar helps rally the freed slaves, and together they break free from their guards. Gulbar urges Randus to seek him and his growing slave army at the legendary “City of the Sun” before the caravan dissolves into the desert.

Arriving in Zeugma, Randus confronts Crassus, who coldly orders the execution of slaves who took part in the uprising, despite Randus’ protests. Lumonius arrives with warning that Crassus is secretly amassing a formidable army. Accompanied by Beroz, Randus continues toward the City of the Sun, where he discovers the ruined tomb of Spartacus. Turning away, he is joined by Gulbar and the freed slaves, who urge him to embrace his father’s legacy. That night, Randus, now armed with his father’s sword and helmet, frees several condemned slaves and begins a rebel campaign, rekindling hope among the oppressed in the province.

Crassus schemes to capture the Son of Spartacus, while Beroz occasionally plays Crassus’ role to keep up appearances, allowing Randus to reveal himself in time. To draw Randus out, Crassus hosts a deadly party in his palace, featuring a sealed cage filled with poisonous fumes that slowly kills slaves. In the ensuing chaos, Murdok, Crassus’ ally King Pharnaces’ brother, is killed. Crassus flees into the dungeons, where he is unmasked and determines to surrender Randus to Pharnaces to secure his grip on Rome.

Lumonius manages to escape and warn Caesar of Crassus’ plan, while the rebel slaves attack Crassus’ entourage in the desert. Randus is freed, Crassus and Claudia are captured, and Vetius is killed by Randus. Saida pleads for mercy, but Claudia is left behind in the desert with Beroz’ dagger for a merciful suicide. Crassus meets his end when molten gold pours into his mouth, sealing his fate.

When Caesar finally arrives, he learns Randus’ true heritage and sentences him to crucifixion as a symbol of rebellion. However, seeing the province’s overwhelming loyalty, Caesar pardons Randus, recognizing the power of unity and resistance. In the closing moments, Randus returns his father’s sword to Spartacus’s grave, ensuring that a future hero may rise to challenge oppression when the time is right.