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Gaius Claudius Glaber

First appearance	S1E01: "The Red Serpent" S2E01: "Fugitivus"
Last appearance	S2E10: "Wrath of the Gods"
Profession	Legatus (Season 1) Praetor (Season 2)
Race	Roman
Relationships	Ilithyia (Wife, deceased) Albinius (Father-in-law, deceased) Seppia (Lover, deceased) Marcus (Tribune/Friend, deceased) Publius Varinius (Political Rival, deceased) Spartacus (Soldier/Archenemy, deceased) Ashur (Right-Hand Man, deceased) Salvius (Soldier, deceased) Iovis (Soldier, deceased) Linus (Soldier, deceased) Vesper (Soldier)
Status	Deceased (Killed by Spartacus)
Actor/Actress	Craig Parker

Gaius Claudius Glaber is a Roman commander awarded the title of Legatus, and later Praetor. He is married to Senator Albinius's favored daughter, Ilithyia, who both supports her husband's actions politically and emotionally, by personally seeing to it that Glaber's greatest enemy, Spartacus, suffers as much pain as possible. Glaber serves as the main antagonist for the second season of Spartacus, and in the first season is a personal antagonist for Spartacus himself as Glaber enslaved both him and his wife Sura.

AppearanceEdit

Glaber is a man of average height with short black hair and blue eyes. He is often seen wearing armor that is in the same style as that of his legionaries, though he has also been seen wearing robes that befit a man of high stature and position amongst the noble hierarchy. Glaber also holds an athletic/muscular body tone and above-average combat skills as demonstrated from his use with a sword.

PersonalityEdit

Like many Romans, Glaber is shown to be a power-hungry patrician who looks down on people of lower social

standing, like Batiatus, whom he belittles and ignores. He shows little care for anyone but himself, such as when he leaves his wife, Ilithyia, in The House of Batiatus to be treated almost like a slave, and when Glaber mocks Mercato for his incompetence. He is also unpopular among many of his nobleman; Albinius looks down upon Glaber, Seppius and Varinius have a bitter rivalry with the Praetor, Varis and Cossutius do not have any love lost for him, and the Senate is disappointed in Glaber's results in hunting down Spartacus. However, Glaber does seem to be on good terms with Magistrate Gallienus. Glaber does show affection for llithyia when he is not busy or stressed, but is as easily quick to disown her when she endangers his standing.

Glaber is considered unpopular amongst the nobles and in particular isn't favored by those in the Senate. The wives of the noble Romans mentions the rumors about Glaber's deeds on the front line consisting of pilaging, rape, and groundless slaughter.

He has a deep resentment towards Spartacus, whom he holds personally responsible for his disgrace by not only speaking out against him, but inciting mass mutiny after Glaber decided to abandon the Thracians' villages to pursue his own goals. Glaber's embitterment of Spartacus has consumed himself in an extreme emotional dislike for the rebel leader, forcing Glaber to dishonorable tactics and questionable maneuvers that would have the Senate frown upon him, such as relying on mercenaries and crucifying innocents. Glaber himself once admitted to his overall embracement of his monstrosity, blaming Spartacus for all his foul moods and deeds.

Combat ProwessEdit

Glaber is trained in Roman Army tactics and technique, and is a devious and brutal tactician. He commands large numbers of infantry and artillery units in war against the slave army. However, his rigid and unyielding tactics leave him vulnerable to attacks in several instances, and even though he's more than a decent swordfighter, his fighting skill is not as honed as that of a gladiator's.

Blood and SandEdit

Legatus Glaber is first seen addressing a gathering of Thracians, offering a bargain of aid against the barbarian Getae in exchange for service in the Auxiliary in the war against the horde of Mithridates. Many of the Thracians are quick to dismiss his offer, except for Spartacus, who insists that the Romans help to wipe out the Getae - "all of them." Glaber solemnly agrees.

Midway through the campaign, Glaber entertains a surprise visit from his wife, Ilithyia, despite Roman law forbidding the presence of women in military camps. When two of the Thracians, including Glaber's ally, report a sudden shift of the Getae's position westward, Illythia spurs Glaber into a fateful decision: he resolves to abandon his plan against the Getae and move on Mithridates himself, breaking oath against the Thracians. When he issues orders to the Thracians, however, his ally is first to defy the command, and a fight quickly ensues. In the commotion, Glaber is thrown from his horse and left unconscious.

Facing a summons back to Rome for his loss of the auxiliary, an outraged Glaber personally hunts down the Thracian responsible for the mutiny, capturing him along with his wife, Sura. He orders the woman sold into slavery while he transports the Thracian and several of his comrades to Capua, there to be executed ad gladium. With this offer, Glaber hopes to reclaim his honor and standing with Rome - specifically, his father-in-law, Senator Albinius. While five of the captured six Thracians die quickly in the Arena, one - Glaber's former ally - prevails, even when hopelessly outmatched by four trained gladiators. An enraged Glaber demands instant death for the Thracian, but relents when Quintus Lentulus Batiatus makes an offer to purchase the man as a gladiator and name him Spartacus. Visiting the newly-named gladiator in his cell, Glaber taunts the Thracian one last time before departing for Rome, to continue his aspirations in the Senate.

After Glaber returns to Capua, he relucantly considers Batiatus' offer of granting patronage, but only after watching Spartacus easily defeat all his Roman solders in combat. When Crixus goes beserk and attacks Ashur, though, Glaber angrily declines the proposal, citing Batiatus' inability to control his gladiators, and attempts to leave. However, Glaber is then humiliated by finding out his wife killed Licinia, and after slapping Ilithyia, Glaber grants patronage to the house of Batiatus. Soon afterwards, he is elevated to the position of Praetor.

VengeanceEdit

Six weeks after the massacre in Kill Them All, Glaber is ordered by his father-in-law Albinius to hunt Spartacus and his group of rebels, despite Glaber's protests. He brings his wife Ilithyia along with his troops, and sets up camp in the deserted ludus of Batiatus. When a crazed Lucretia appears, frightening Illythia to hysterics, Glaber seizes an opportunity, and orders a public address in the market square of Capua. At the address, he presents Lucretia as a divine omen from the gods (although it is merely a ruse to bring up the city's morale). He also presents captured slaves for execution, including Aurelia. However, his presentation is cut short by a surprise attack by Spartacus himself, who bursts from the crowd in and wounds Glaber in the arm. Before either man can finish the fight, Spartacus' rebels appear and escape with their leader in the ensuing chaos.

Unswayed by the debacle, Glaber continues to exult Lucretia's new status as prophetess. He receives surprise help in the form of Ashur, arriving at the ludus with a captive Onaemaus in tow. He sees Ashur in low regard, remembering that it was him who forced Glaber to grant patronage to the House of Batiatus, and has him cut off the mark of the brotherhood that he still possesses to test his loyalty, which Ashur does. After Ashur discovers the location of where Spartacus would be going he sends his Tribune Marcus and Ashur to ambush them at the mines. His relationship with his wife becomes worse as he focuses intently on capturing Spartacus. Soldiers return with three rebels, the Gauls: Crixus, Rhaskos and Acer. Glaber is infuriated that Spartacus evades capture.

At a party held at the ludus for the nobility of Capua in order to raise spirits, Glaber brings out the captured Gauls, along with Oenomaus, to present them to be killed by fellow Praetor Varinius, whom Glaber holds in low regard. Varinius instead insults Glaber by refusing to kill them and decides they should executed in the arena, excluding Acer who instead is chosen to be tortured.

Ashur would return with the remaining soldiers who went with Marcus, who was killed, to chase down Spartacus . Infuriated that his friend was killed and untrusting of Ashur, Glaber sentences Ashur to be executed in the arena with the others. Unbeknownst to him, his own wife, father-in-law and rival work against him which causes conflict. After counsel from Lucretia he has Ashur released who, through Lucretia, tells Glaber of his wife's plans to abort his child and end their marriage. He confronts Ilithyia with this information who confirms it. With nothing left, Glaber asks her, "Is there nothing left between us?" to which there is no positive response and the two leave to attend the executions at the arena as husband and wife for the last time.

During the preliminary matches, Glaber is shown having great disdain for everyone around him as they all look down on him and patronize him, infuriating Glaber. Soon enough, Spartacus and the rebels make an attack on the arena to free the rebels and he watches on as the destruction of the arena occurs around him. He looks out and locks eyes with Spartacus who then throws a spear at him. Glaber dodges it, cutting his cheek, while the spear strikes and kills Cossutius. When everyone begins to leave Glaber is told by Albinius that his days in the Senate are now over and pushes him aside. As Glaber escapes he sees his father-in-law injured, and in revenge for the comments and conspiracy against him, murders Albinius. He expresses this to his wife who breaks down in tears, but whether the tears are for her fathers death or the realization that her marriage to Glaber cannot be dissolved is unknown, something Glaber himself takes note of later. Glaber shows nothing but contempt for his wife, and only keeps her alive due to their unborn child carrying his name.

Glaber attempts to organize his soldiers with Salvius acting as his new second. Ashur approaches Glaber to try and explain how gladiators are far above common slaves and would require greater fighters than Roman soldiers. Glaber has Ashur prove his boast as he himself stood a gladiator before. Ashur fights and defeats Salvius and two other soldiers. An impressed Glaber promotes Ashur as his right hand and tasks him with gathering the most ruthless men that could prove useful in crushing the rebellion.

Later, Glaber attempts to gain the aid of Capua noble, Seppius, who leads a militia against Spartacus. They, however, clash as Seppius holds favor of Varrinius. Ashur returns to Glaber with a group of the deadliest men in the city and with Glaber they move against Seppius and his household, killing them all whilst covering it up as a though it was the slaves uprising in the name of Spartacus.

Seppius' younger sister, Seppia is invited to stay at the House of Batiatus by Glaber who does this to spite his wife. Glaber then takes command over Seppius' militia, led by Octavius Tarsus. He begins to develop strategies with Ashur for capturing Spartacus and addresses the city in the market, crucifying one of his wife's slaves and announcing that all slaves will be punished if they even whisper Spartacus' name.

After tasking Ashur with tracking down Gannicus and bringing him to the villa, Glaber tries to persuade Gannicus to join his army after seeing him ignite the crowd during the execution games. In exchange for this, Glaber offers Gannicus his rudis that was recovered from the ruins of the arena. When Gannicus says he isn't interested, Glaber allows him to leave the villa with the rudis, stating that he is a free man and that his fate is his own. However, after Gannicus departs, he instructs Ashur to have one of his mercenaries follow him and that should Gannicus choose to flee Capua, he shall be crucified.

Soon afterwards, Seppia arrives in his chambers. Glaber, confused at first, watches Seppia remove her gown whilst staring at one other before kissing and making love. Salvius breaks up the sex by informing the Praetor of unfortunate news. Much to Glaber and Ashur's dismay, Ilithyia is kidnapped by Gannicus, who attacked the guarded wagon and killed off all the Roman guards, including Ashur's man. Back in the villa, Glaber contemplates his situation in returning his wife, although his worries are more rooted in pragmatic reasoning of politics, as Glaber and Seppia soon become official lovers, sleeping with each whenever often. Soon enough, Lucius enters the villa with news of Ilithyia - she is held captive by Spartacus, and will be returned in trade for a full wagon with supplies and weaponry. Glaber learns the deal is to bring only three men alongside him, and Spartacus the same, with the amendment that Spartacus will never arrive if reinforcements are seen on the road. Despite Ashur and Seppia's protests, Glaber agrees to the offer.

Taking Tarsus and Salvius with him, Glaber soon meets up with Spartacus in the marketplace, and share words with each other. However, the trade turns out to be a trap, as Ashur and his mercenaries soon ambush the rebels. Glaber locks arms with Spartacus, although he is easily taken down. Salvius and Tarsus manage to save the Praetor's life, and soon sounds the horn for reinforcements. The ambush fails, as Lucius and Mira rain down arrows on the soldier, with Tarsus becoming a casualty, and Glaber getting shot with an arrow to the chest, forcing a retreat. Back in the villa, as Glaber tends to his wound, Lucretia questions why Glaber disregarded the life of Ilithyia during the trade, to which Glaber angrily responds that he would do anything to see Spartacus' life at an end, even a tthe cost of Ilithyia. He plainly states he will mourn her passing, and soon afterwards engages in more intercourse with Seppia. Unbeknownst to Glaber, however, Lucretia reveals to Seppia that Glaber was responsible for her brother's death, causing her to contemplate vengeance.

Eventually, Spartacus releases Ilithyia, telling her Glaber has no true love for her. Ilithyia return to her husband in the villa, where he is having sex with a reluctant Seppia, and falls unconscious to the pool. A shocked Glaber calls for a medicus, and soon afterwards Ilithyia wakes up in a prematurely made bedroom. Glaber interrogates Ilithyia for Spartacus' whereabouts, and is then questioned as to why he holds no love for her anymore. Glaber calls himself a 'monster' born of necessity, and cooly responds for her to look for the response she gave him before Varinius' games, and then leaves.

Varinius soon arrives to inform Glaber the Senate wishes for the Praetor to step down from his continued search for Spartacus, as it has gone on too long. In disbelief, Glaber replies to Varinius that Spartacus is now within his grasp, and inadvertedly confirms to Varinius the rebel leader's location in Vesuvius. Varinius then informs Glaber he is now charged with the task, and before going to Vesuvius, Varinius tells Glaber if he wishes to rise above in the Senate, he would do as commanded. Varinius then takes his leave.

As Glaber goes to the baths to wash himself,he has a discussion with Seppia about Varinius and Seppius. A vengeful Seppia replies he does not trust Varinius to strike down the man responsible for her brother's death, and crashes a far of wine into Glaber's head, forcing him backwards into the edge of the pool. Right before Seppia can stab Glaber, however, Ilithyia sneaks from behind to force Seppia's balde into her torso, and then slits her throat, with blood spraying acroos Glaber and into the pool. As the corpse is dropped in the waters, a naked and bloodied Glaber questions Ilithyia as to her actions, reminding her of the love they once shared now gone forever. Ilithyia simply replies to Glaber that they are both 'monsters' and should act as such. The two make love to each other, as Seppia's body floats in the pool behind them.

After the failed assault of Varinius and his soldiers, Glaber attacks Spartacus and his men at the temple, where they are interrogating Varinius. Glaber unleashes the ultimate weapon, the Roman Catapult. A barrage of flaming boulders fly through the air killing many rebels (Varinius included) as he and his Romans storm the temple. They overrun the camp while Spartacus and his men retreat for Mount Vesuvius. Glaber tells his men that Spartacus and the rebels now have the high ground, whilst they lost the advantage. Ashur asks if he will let them go free, the praetor replies "No I will let them feast on mud and rock and when hunger and madness drives them from their perch we shall kill them all."

Later in the base of Vesuvius, Glaber is told by his wife that Ashur was the one who influenced Sepp ia into trying to kill him. Glaber then sends Ashur on a suicide mission to "prove his loyalty." After Ashur's head is delivered to Glaber, he prepares for battle. Meanwhile, Spartacus, Agron, Crixus, and Gannicus slide down vines from the volcano in order to surprise Glaber and his men by taking control of their catapults. Glaber and his men then confront the four rebel leaders, and after sharing one final gaze with Spartacus he orders his men to kill them. The Romans charge but his army is outflanked when the rest of the rebels attack them from behind beginning a fierce battle. During the fight, Glaber takes down many rebels but after seeing his men being defeated he realizes they are fighting a losing battle and has the remaining Romans retreat.

Glaber and his men then retreat to the temple but Spartacus pursues. After Spartacus kills his tribune Salvius, thereby avenging Mira's death, Glaber and Spartacus duel each other. Spartacus easily counters his moves, to which an enraged Glaber remarks he will not fall to a slave. The two continue battling and Glaber nearly succeeds in killing Spartacus in sheer rage but Spartacus catches his hand and states he is a free man

Glaberdeath — Glaber is killed by Spartacus
Added by Olemisscub

and shoves his sword through Glaber's stomach and forces glaber to his knees. Spartacus says to his army "The Roman finally learns his place before us, on his knees." Glaber in a fit of rage and disbelief, curses Spartacus, saying that his death will only send more legions of Romans and one day soon he will fall to a deserved end. Spartacus dismisses this by saying "Perhaps, yet it is not this night." Glaber is finished off when Spartacus drives his sword down his throat, leaving Glaber to drown in his own blood.

War of the DamnedEdit

In War of the Damned, Glaber is often held as example of foolishness by Marcus Licinius Crassus and Julius Caesar for underestimating the tenacity, resourcefulness, and cunning of Spartacus.

List of AppearancesEdit

Spartacus: Blood and Sand

Spartacus: Vengeance

Historical ContextEdit

Historically, Glaber was noted as socially awkward and this, along with his lack of respect (as seen in the show) was what influenced the Senate to send him after Spartacus.

TriviaEdit

Craig Parker, the actor who portrays Glaber, is 5'10" tall.
His given name, Gaius, is not used throughout the first season. Instead, he is referred to as Claudius, which is technically his family name.
Glaber would have been at least thirty-nine years old at the time of his death, as this was the minimum age for a Praetor.
As Glaber was a Praetor entrusted with military authority by the Senate, his office would have specifically been that of a Praetor Peregrinus, whom possessed Imperium (high military command).
As an elected Praetor, Glaber would have been entitled to a security detail of six Lictors.
Dialogue in Enemies of Rome, suggests that he has been the only Roman commander to have come close to defeating Spartacus, although at this time Spartacus had only a small fighting force as opposed to a much larger army.
Glaber was the thirteenth main character to be killed.

Video GamesEdit

In the Spartacus: Blood and Sand iPhone game, Glaber is one of the playable characters, even though he is obviously not a gladiator. He dresses in a Roman military style and fights with a spear and shield.

QuotesEdit

"I fear you are right, you are not like me. Your wife was the heart that beats beneath your chest, you would have given all, to see her live. But I would do the same, to see you dead."
—Glaber To Spartacus

"You have allied yourself with Rome. I am its body and voice."
—Glaber to Thracian soldiers

"You will march where you are commanded!"
—Glaber to Spartacus

"The shadow of Rome is vast, and you, Thracian, will die under it."
—Glaber to Spartacus

"I see you have taught the animal not to speak out of turn."
—Glaber to Batiatus

"The Thracian finally learns his place before me—on his knees."
—Glaber to Spartacus

"Spartacus is but a man! He shall never triumph over the people of Capua.
—Glaber to Capua citizens

"My men have been set to higher purpose by the Gods themselves, at this very moment they close on Spartacus and his horde, and they shall once more kneel before the glory of Rome!"
—Glaber to Capua citizens

"I would have them feast on mud and rock and when hunger and madness have driven them from their perch, we shall kill them all."
—Glaber to Ashur

"The Egyptian and your men prove themselves. See the bodies of the slaves properly attended, draw no attention."
—Glaber to Ashur

" You have won nothing. Rome shall send legions in my wake, and one day you shall fall to deserved end."
—Glaber's final words to Spartacus