First Servile War

The First Servile War, from 135 to 132 BCE, was a significant slave revolt against the Roman Republic in Sicily. Led by Eunus, a Syrian slave who proclaimed himself King Antiochus, the rebellion quickly grew, organizing a fighting force of approximately 70,000 slaves. They captured the city of Enna and gained control over much of central and eastern Sicily, even issuing their own coins. Rome's initial military responses were unsuccessful, with several armies being defeated by the rebels. However, the consul Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi eventually recaptured Enna in 133 BCE, and his successor, Publius Rupilius, completely suppressed the revolt the following year. Eunus was captured and died in prison. This revolt highlighted the growing social tensions and the increasing number of slaves in Roman society during the 2nd century BCE.12