Nasir

Nasir

First appearance	S2E02: A Place In This World S3E01: Enemies of Rome
Last appearance	S3E10: Victory
Profession	Body Slave Escaped Slave Rebel
Race	Syrian
Relationships	Unnamed Brother Agron (Lover) Naevia (Friend, deceased) Chadara (Fellow Body Slave/Friend, deceased) Nasir's Dominus (Former Dominus, deceased) Mira (Friend, deceased) Spartacus (Friend, deceased) Lugo (Rival/Friend, deceased) Castus (Friend, deceased) Crixus (Friend, deceased)
Status	Active
Actor/Actress	Pana Hema Taylor

Nasir is a young Syrian slave who is freed by Spartacus' rebellion. During the rebellion, he goes on to become the lover of Agron.

Appearance

With long dark hair and dark skin, Nasir is rather small in build. Following the saving of Naevia from the mines, he gains a distinct scar from when he was stabbed by a Roman soldier. For his size, Nasir is often referred to as "Little Man" by the other rebels. As a body slave, Nasir wore nothing but a loincloth and a leather slave-collar around his neck. As a rebel, Nasir wears trousers, boots, pteruges (a skirt of leather-straps) and a single leather pauldron (shoulder-guard).

Personality

Nasir was body slave to a wealthy dominus and he has lived a life of position and respect despite his lack of freedom. The Roman name "Tiberius" was given to him by his master; it is this name that he first introduces himself as when Spartacus liberates him and the other slaves. The only family he recalls is a brother who called him Nasir.

Like Oenomaus, Spartacus and Gannicus, Nasir possesses a strong moral code shown when he decides to tell Crixus the truth of Naevia's whereabouts and refuses to harm innocents, even if they are Roman. Nasir is Syrian like Ashur and because of this, it was hard for the rebels to trust him due to their experience with Ashur. Nasir also demonstrates strong will and determination as he desires to fight alongside the rebels despite the grave injury he took whilst fleeing the mines.

Combat Prowess

Though he had no fighting experience in the past, Nasir is a fast learner and becomes a skilled fighter in a short amount of time, being personally instructed by Spartacus. Eventually, Nasir becomes a warrior of great skill to be reckoned with. Despite his stature, he proves himself to be a fierce fighter with a strategic mind, as in battle he finds himself skilled enough to take on many Roman soldiers with relative ease.

While taught to use a sword at first, he discovers his affinity in the use of spear, slowly growing to become one of rebellion's more powerful fighters. Other rebel fighters such as Lugo and Nemetes have noted Nasir changing into a more deadly fighter.

While most of the gladiators or rebels have some kind of loud battle cry or yell when they fight, Nasir's is more of a hissing sound.

Vengeance

In their search for Naevia, Spartacus and the rebels take over his dominus' villa. When the slaves of the villa are gathered together and given encouraging words from Spartacus, Nasir's collar is the first to be ripped off as sign of liberation.

Later that night, Nasir attempts to kill Spartacus, but fails. When demanded reason, he replies that he was a slave of "position and respect"; although freed, he feels that Spartacus merely takes his master's place. Crixus and Agron suggest Spartacus to kill Nasir. Believing that it will send the wrong message to those willing to join their cause, Spartacus decides to train him with the other slaves instead.

Nasirtraining — Nasir being trained by Spartacus.

The next morning, Spartacus personally instructs Nasir with the sword and while he believes himself to be no fighter, he still persists in his attacks. Watching with the other gladiators, Agron takes note of him.

As the rest of the rebels drink and celebrate in the house that evening, Agron and Nasir engage in conversation, Agron asks his name, which Nasir responds with "Tiberius"; when commented on for his dark skin, he also reveals himself to be Syrian. Agron (along with many others) takes note of that as Agron reveals they all knew a Syrian at their ludus and mentions that he was the most treacherous of people. Eventually, the conversation shifts to that of their family. Nasir tells him that the only family member he recalls is a brother. Likewise, Agron talks of his brother Duro and gives Nasir hope that he will become a strong rebel.

Suddenly, the rebels are alerted that a group of mercenaries approach the villa. Instead of engaging in battle (as Crixus advises), Spartacus decides to have Nasir tell the soldiers that the Dominus is away. The Syrian plays his part well until the Scout Leader notices the absence of his slave collar. Aware that his deception has been noticed, Nasir immediately invites the mercenaries inside. Believing this to be an act of betrayal, Crixus attacks, leading Spartacus and the others to do the same. As the rebels fight, Nasir remains idle at first, but then eventually picks up a sword and joins in. Just as the scout leader is about to land a blow upon Spartacus, Nasir steps in and kills the man, saving Spartacus' life.

Despite this, Crixus thinks little of Nasir's heroics, believing them to have happened because the latter knew the mercenaries would not win. Nasir explains that the Romans noticed that he was not wearing his slave collar; if he had not let them in, then they would have returned with more men. Having changed and proven his loyalty, Nasir is now one of the rebels. He tells Spartacus and Agron his real name: Nasir.

Later, the rebels attack a cart of slaves headed for the mines. Agron and Nasir interrogate the slaver named Ferox regarding Naevia's whereabouts. After killing the slaver, Agron tells Crixus that she is dead, driving the man into despair.

Back at the villa, it is decided that the rebels go to Vesuvius, where they could find recruits to join their cause. Meanwhile, Nasir watches Crixus from afar and tells Agron of his guilt; it is revealed that the two had lied regarding Naevia's whereabouts. When he is about to speak to Crixus, Agron stops him saying that he would not have Nasir and the other rebels fall in a suicide-mission to rescue Naevia.

On the morning that they plan to leave, Chadara, a friend and fellow slave of the same villa as Nasir, mentions to him that she has noticed his eyes upon Agron and how the two of them share a bond. She encourages Nasir to "pursue desire."

While moving supplies, Nasir runs into Crixus who helps him. Crixus tells him that he did not trust him at first because he was Syrian, as the last Syrian he was acquainted with (Ashur) caused him and Naevia great pain. He apologizes for his actions, saying that Naevia would not hold Nasir for Ashur's actions either. Crixus extends his hand out in good will and as friend, but Nasir does not accept it. His guilt resurfaces, and he reveals to Crixus that Naevia is alive, but has been sold to the mines.

In response, Crixus attacks Agron and reveals what he learned to Spartacus. Agron explains his lie, saying that Crixus would have all of them perish just so that they could save Naevia. Spartacus sides with Crixus and orders the rebels to prepare for the mines. Agron chooses to part from the group and head for Vesuvius; many of the other slaves follow him, including Nasir. Just as Spartacus and his group head for the mines, however, Nasir chooses to accompany them. Although Agron is surprised, he does not object, and the two part with a smile.

Nasir is the first to spot Naevia in the mines. Once she is recovered, however, Roman soldiers discover them and the rebels are forced to exit quickly and make a break through the forest, heading for Agron's camp at Vesuvius. Spartacus' group suffers heavy casualties throughout, and Nasir is eventually wounded gravely when he risks his life for Mira's. Spartacus and Naevia decide to cauterize it, risking discovery. Despite the pain, Nasir makes no sound and remarks that he has been branded as "a true gladiator would." Spartacus replies that he has "earned his place among the brotherhood."

Nasir wounded. — Nasir wounded by saving Mira's life.

Eventually, only he, Spartacus, Mira, and Naevia are left when they reach Vesuvius, but they stop when they hear a large number of men approaching from behind them. It turns out that the men are Agron and the other rebels. Agron happily greets Spartacus and then rushes to look at Nasir. Nasir smiles at him weakly and Agron smiles back.

Afterwards, the reunited rebels find salvation in the temple ruins owned by an elder Roman who hates the Romans due to them betraying him in the past. There, Nasir recovers from his injury. When he hears of the plan to attack the arena, he immediately wants to join Spartacus and the others despite his grave wound. Spartacus says that he should rest longer. Meanwhile, Agron happily goes to him and says that this time, Nasir is to stay and he will go. Agron then kisses Nasir intimately to which he is surprised, but happy. Agron and the rebels then return from their mission, boasting joyfully about the death of many Romans. Nasir teases Agron and greets him with a kiss happily. Later, Nasir is saddened by the death of his close friend Chadara who was killed by Mira after she attempted to betray the rebels.

After Agron and Spartacus free the Germanic slaves, Nasir happily greets Agron with a kiss. He then interacts with Agron's people, embracing them as if they were his own and they him. Later on, he mentions that his people lift spirits to Agron. He acknowledges this, but sees Crixus' looks of disgust and says not everyone is happy, noting the tension that still lies between them. After Sedullus attacks Naevia, Nasir is among the rebels to join in the barbaric fighting between everyone at the feast. Afterwards, Gannicus returns harboring Ilithyia whom he captured; Spartacus has not killed her yet because she is pregnant with his unborn child. Agron and Nasir are supposed to keep guard of her, but their passion takes over them. Their kissing heats up and Nasir begins fondling Agron. Before things get too heated, Mira interrupts them just in time and relieves them of their duty, tells them to go to their bed and she will take watch over Ilithyia. As they leave, Agron expresses his gratitude to Mira.

When the Romans attack the temple, Nasir joins in the fight as one of its defenders. Unfortunately, the rebels are forced to flee to the top of the mountains in order to survive the Roman onslaught. Spartacus later comes up with a plan which would have him, Crixus, Agron and Gannicus climb down the mountain and flank the Romans using vines. Nasir takes part in constructing the ropes and aiding the four climb down. The remaining rebels, led by Oenomaus, rush down the mountain and proceed to slay the Romans. Nasir takes the lives of many Romans and sees victory against Glaber and his forces.

War of the Damned

Over the last six months following the Rebel victory at Vesuvius, Nasir has become an even greater fighter, wearing make shift armor and choosing to fight with a spear.

He is present on the battlefield when the rebels triumphantly defeat Cossinius' forces. He remains in a great and loving relationship with Agron and the two both remain in gratitude to Spartacus for freeing them an attribute it to finding each other.

As a veteran rebel, Nasir tests the new-coming recruits into joining the rebels' ranks. While Nasir tests them in combat, Agron and Donar analyze the potential and determination of the recruits.

Nasir is present with the rebels as they take over Sinuessa. He aids Crixus and Naevia in the training as usual, but when Crixus pits two Romans to fight to the death for bread, Nasir shows visible disgust towards the act.

1361420700-naggif — Nasir, Agron and Castus.

Nasir meets the Cilician pirate Castus during a celebration in Sinuessa who tries to seduce him. Nasir says he's not interested and tries to leave, but Castus grabs his arm. Agron gets extremely angry and jealous and eventually gets in a fight with Castus. Spartacus puts an end to the fight and the celebration is over.

Nasir and Agron have an argument that eventually ends up with words of love and an intimate moment between them.

859945 493130390745423 977641718 o — Nasir finds Agron and explains that Nemetes didn't open the gate.

Later, Nasir is ordered to stay on the wall and watch if everything is going well for the rebels going outside the city to meet with the pirates by Spartacus. He is frustrated that he can't go with Agron. He complains to Naevia that he can't see anything because they're too far and it's too dark.

When the Rebels come back with the pirates after they've been attacked by the Romans, Nasir tries to find Agron. When he finds him, he hugs him and tells him he thought he would be dead. Nasir explains that he wanted to join him, but Nemetes refused to open the gate.

The day many rebels decide to kill the Romans they were supposed to let live, Nasir and Castus arrive together to warn Spartacus. Agron is very jealous to see them together and openly expresses it. Nasir and Castus seem displeased.

Nasir attempts to speak with Agron, but Agron rebuffs him believing that Nasir has been holding feelings and moments with Castus.

Nasir Agron — Nasir confronted by a jealous Agron.

At Spartacus' villa, Nasir tends to the surviving Romans, showing them compassion. When Agron arrives, Nasir attempts to speak with him again, this time resulting in Nasir becoming angered towards Agron's rebuffs. Agron finds it hard to believe that, of all the people Nasir ran across in the city, it was Castus. Nasir remarks that, if it had been Agron, he would have believed him as he loves him that much. This leaves Agron speechless and unable to respond at all.

Following Heracleo's betrayal, Nasir takes up arms and comes to Spartacus' aid at the docks. He slays many Romans and the rebels see victory, but also spot a fleet of Roman ships, warning the rebels of their approach. Eventually, he, along with Lugo, goes into the city to fight more Romans. As he kills a Roman, another attempts to strike him from the back, Castus however saves him by stabbing the soldier in the back with a spear. Agron then appears and attacks Castus, leading to a standoff when Nasir asks why Agron attacked as Castus came to aid. The German accuses Castus of being part of Heracleo's plot, but the pirate says he was not and Nasir defends him. When Lugo says more Romans are approaching, Spartacus leads the rebels escape from city into the mountains. Whilst Nasir and Agron bring Castus, he is noticed by Crixus, who calls him a traitor and attempts to attack him, but Nasir says Castus knew nothing of Heracleo's betrayal. Spartacus says there is no time to place accusations and has the pirate's hands tied and has him escorted to the mountains.

In the mountain camp, as the rebels prepare for the upcoming storm, Nasir overlooks the sick and wounded. Despite Agron's jealousy of Castus, Agron leaves the bound pirate to remain among those watched over by Nasir. In Agron's absence, Nasir notices Castus being harassed and beaten by a hostile Brictius to whom Nasir confronts the brute rebel for his behaviour. Although Brictius threatens Nasir, the Syrian does not back down and even challenges Brictius to back up his boasts. A bitter and intimidated Brictius leaves, and afterwards Nasir to Castus, from which the two share a friendly conversation. Eventually, Nasir convinces Agron to release Castus from his bounds of servitude, and the pirate is freed, much to Nasir's joy and Agron's disapproval. After the storm blows off, Nasir joins the other rebels in leaving the mountains. He takes postion in slaying the Roman scouts advancing on the rebel's rear position. That night he and Agron are setting up their tent when Agron spots Laeta having trouble with hers. Castus shows up with excess firewood and offers to share it with the two. Agron, still spiteful of Castus, accepts before going to aid Laeta. Castus and Nasir then converse with Castus certain that Nasir has feelings for him, but Nasir disregards this and the two retire to friendly banter.

When Spartacus and Crixus choose to take Separate Paths, they first take a village for one last night of celebration together. Nasir and Agron converse with Agron remarking that he is going with Crixus into battle and Nasir will join Spartacus. Nasir desires to be with Agron, but Agron insists with Nasir accepting reluctantly. The two then share one final kiss before splitting on different paths the following morning.

When it is discovered that Crixus' forces were defeated by Crassus and his legion, Nasi

r goes to Naevia, who was sent back to the rebels as a taunt, and asks for Agron. She falls to tears, unable to reply and Nasir sorrowfully moves on. In an extended scene, Nasir trains the rebels, now pushing the men and taunting them that their lack of skill would lead to their deaths. Castus appears, saying he feels the same grief because of Agron's "death". As he attempts to comfort him, Nasir takes offense, believing him to make attempt now that Agron is gone, and blames Castus that Agron separated to fight with Crixus. To honor the fallen, Spartacus has the rebels create a makeshift arena for the rebels to fight Roman prisoners, ad gladium. Nasir joins as a fighter to honor Agron and beats his opponent angrily before killing him. Naevia remarks Nasir honored his lover well and Nasir responds that Naevia will honor Crixus next.

Following a deal between Spartacus and Crassus, 500 surviving rebels are returned to Spartacus. Nasir, watching in despair as the other rebels are reunited with their loved ones, wishes "would that those we held close stood among them." Castus then directs Nasir to Spartacus, who is carrying a critically wounded Agron with him. The two lovers tearfully rejoice in their reunion.

When the time of the final battle with the Romans is near, Spartacus orders Agron to escape

Nasir crafts Agron's Weapon — Agron's bladed-shield, crafted by Nasir to allow him to fight.

with the other non-combatants. Agron wishes to fight, but when Spartacus gives him a sword, Agron is too injured to grasp it. Nasir later presents to Agron a specially made shield with a sword attached, which can be lashed to Agron's arm. Agron says that despite Spartacus' order, his place is on the battlefield. Nasir agrees that they will fight the Romans together, though his face shows anguish at the prospect. The battle comme

Nasir In Battle — Nasir, alongside Agron and Castus for the final battle.

nces and Nasir takes to the front line alongside Agron and Castus. The three fight together and kill many Romans, but Castus is mortally wounded by a Roman horseman. Nasir comforts Castus. Before he dies, Castus tells Nasir that he wanted to be like Agron to have the same affection. The two warriors then become inflamed by their comrade's demise and proceed to slay more Romans.

Just before Spartacus can deliver the killing blow to Crassus, he is impaled by three Roman spears from behind. This gives Crassus the opportunity to finally kill the rebel leader, but he is stopped when Nasir, Agron, Lydon and another arrive and force Crassus to flee. Nasir personally kills Spartacus' assailants. They take the injured Spartacus to the mountains to escape the lost battle just before Crassus returns with Roman reinforcements.

When Spartacus awakens, he is surrounded by Agron, Nasir, Sibyl and Laeta, accompanied by a few other rebels. After he speaks his fin

Nasir In The End — Nasir taking leave with the others.

al words, he succumbs to his wounds and dies, much to the anguish of the surrounding rebels. Just as this happens, the skies darken and rain falls, reminiscent of the events that occurred during Spartacus' defeat of Theokoles.

The rebels then bury Spartacus under a pile of rocks, topped with Agrons shield/sword weapon. Nasir and Agron walk away into the hills with the other remaining rebels, finally free of the grip of Rome.

List of Appearances

Spartacus: Vengeance

Spartacus: War of the Damned

Trivia

Pana Hema Taylor, the actor who plays Nasir, is 5'8" (173cm) tall.
Before becoming an actor, Pana Hema Taylor was a 'gang member'.
Despite the fact that the show refers to Nasir as "Syrian", he would - historically - in fact be Assyrian.
In Vengeance, Nasir, Oenomaus, Ashur and Gannicus were the only characters to wear pants.
Nasir remains one of the only four known rebel fighters to survive the entire series, the others being his lover Agron, along with Pollux and Lydon. Nasir is the only among them not to be a gladiator from the House of Batiatus.
Body slave in Latin is Servus Corporis.
The Latin term for a body-slave was Amanuensis, meaning "within hand's reach". Nasir was the Amanuensis to a Roman dominus who gave him the name Tiberius.
In Vengeance, Nasir once told Agron that he was "more Roman than Syrian". This could be either interpreted to mean that one half of his parentage was Roman, or that after spending his entire life as a slave up to that point, Nasir (then called Tiberius) regarded himself as a Roman.
While calling himself a Syrian, the name 'Nasir', which means "one who gives victory", appears to be Arabic. A possible explanation is that Nasir's family were Bedouin nomads in Syria.

Quotes

"I accompanied my dominus to the mines once, I may be of some aid."

"Give me a sword. I would join you."

"Seize them from the fucking wagon!"

Nasir: "You suffer no wound?"
Agron: "The gods favor me, little man."
Nasir: "Call me that again and they shall turn from you."

Nasir: "Agron would have us well supplied."
Chadara: "Agron, yes. He is of a form, is he not?"
Nasir: "I suppose."
Chadara: "Oh, you suppose?... Do not think I have not noticed your eyes upon him. Nor the way of late you have been huddled together in intimate conversation."
Nasir: "You mistake subject of discussion."
Chadara: "Yet not the blush upon your cheek when he is near... You would do yourself well to pursue desire. I would myself if I believed he favored me."
Nasir: "I thought you were taken with Rhaskos."
Chadara: "Rhaskos is a base animal. Yet one with sharp claws, offering protection and position... Spartacus holds Agron in much high esteem. I envy you his attentions."

Crixus: "I was not in favor of your training... Do you know the reason?"
Nasir: "Because I made attempt on Spartacus?"
Crixus: "As have I on more than one occasion. I did not trust you because you were Syrian. I have had unfortunate acquaintance with one of your people... as did my woman."
Nasir: "Apologies."
Crixus: "He caused her much pain. Yet despite this, she would not have held you responsible for his actions; such was her heart. One that I shall honor in thought and deed."
Nasir: "... There is something I must tell you."

Nasir: "The Cilician over-stepped. Yet, your response was-"
Agron: "Was as it fucking should be! Jupiter himself would find cause to tremble if he laid hands upon you."
Nasir: (laughs) "You would battle a god for me?"
Agron: "I would slay all who would lay attempt to wrest you from my arms."
Nasir: "Strike Jupiter and the Cilician from mind. I would have them of no concern to the one that holds my heart."

References

Removed category.