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Tiberius Licinius Crassus
Tiberius
First appearance S3E01: Enemies of Rome
Last appearance S3E09: The Dead and the Dying
Profession Tribune
Race Roman
Relationships Marcus Licinius Crassus (Father/Imperator)
Tertulla (Mother)
Publius (Brother)
Licinia (Cousin, deceased)
Julius Caesar (Ally/Rival/Enemy/Victim)
Kore (Slave/Friend/Victim, deceased)
Sabinus (Best Friend, deceased)
Mettius (Right-Hand Man, deceased)
Mettius' Friend (Bodyguard, deceased)
Naevia (Enemy, deceased)
Rufus (Ally, deceased)
Status Deceased (Killed by Kore)
Actor/Actress Christian Antidormi

Tiberius Licinius Crassus is the son of Marcus Licinius Crassus. He is given the duty of defeating Spartacus and his army along with Crassus, and is using this opportunity to please and gain favor from his father by doing so.

Appearance[]

Tiberius is a young Roman man with dark cropped hair. He bears a youthful appearance, of a toned athletic build and with a clean-shaven face.

Wearing the robes of the elite Roman class, he also wears a special suit of armor attributed to a Roman soldier and wields a sword designed for the House of Crassus.

Personality[]

Tiberius is impulsive and tends to make irrational decisions. He holds slaves in low regard (Spartacus in particular), though he does appear to be on good terms with Kore. Tiberius also displays overconfidence and spoiled characteristics that came from being born to a prestigious family. He seeks to rise in his father's eyes and will do whatever he must to prove his worth.

After his father forces him to battle Hilarus, did he begin to see he can't underestimate the rebels. When he, Sabinus, and the rest of his unit were forced to perform decimation under orders, he sees his father's life for what it really is. This action causes Tiberius to go into a deep depression with a glaring resentment towards his father, no longer interested in gaining his father's favor (possibly hoping to make him suffer as well before overthrowing him from power). After these events, he begins calling Marcus Crassus "Imperator", as opposed to father. However, once accepted back in the army again, did Tiberius show some semblance of his old self. This was seen when he expressed worry for his father when he saw overwhelmed by the rebels led by Crixus.

His contempt for others is shown in how he is willing to use brutal and immoral methods in order to show his dominance and the fact that he's shameless enough to expect people he antagonized to do him favors. To this end, he subjected Kore to rape and threats while ignoring her past care for him, though did hesitate on it initially. He did the same to his rival Caesar, but was intimidated and frightened to the point where he begged for the former’s aid in escaping without shame when the roles were reversed. 

Combat Prowess[]

He is skilled in the ways of a Roman Soldier, but lacks true battlefield experience. Despite this, he demonstrates skill with a sword and spear, and proves himself an above-average fighter. He is seen killing several rebels in combat.

War of the Damned[]

Tiberius

Tiberius's face.

Tiberius watches as Crassus spars with Hilarus. He complains that his father spends too much time sparring with Hilarus and not enough time focusing on the rebellion. When Crassus accepts command under Cossinius and Furius, Tiberius scolds his father for accepting command under Romans who are "lesser" then he is. Nonetheless, Crassus puts Tiberius in charge of the task of quickly assembling a military, whom Tiberius puts Sabinus in charge of. Continuing to watch Crassus train with Hilarus, Tiberius again scolds his father for not taking the time to prepare against Spartacus. Tiberius says that Spartacus and all slaves alike are beneath Romans. Crassus has Tiberius spar against Hilarus, who easily beats the boy. Crassus retorts that Tiberius' attitude is the same as all those killed by Spartacus possessed. As Crassus finally fights Hilarus to the death, he commands Tiberius to grant the champion his freedom should he be killed in their duel, something Tiberius objects to, but does as commanded. Crassus defeats Hilarus and Tiberius looks at his father.

As Metellus grants Crassus responsibility of the new army to send against Spartacus, Tiberius realizes this was Crassus' plan all along. He questions Crassus on this, with his father confirming by saying, "The house of Crassus bows to no one". After Crassus explains the details, he walks onward, with Tiberius showing a look of impression and new found respect for his father.

Tiberarmor

Tiberius in full armor.

Tiberius starts to earn more favor by having weapons merchants come in, with his father appreciating him. However, Julius Caesar unites his powerfully respected name with Crassus' immensely vast wealth, an investigative Tiberius becomes envious of Caesar's sudden prospects, though Sabinus advises Tiberius to pay no attention to Caesar, contemplating a more prosperous future between the two friends. Later on, Tiberius finds Caesar making advances with Kore, thus angering Tiberius, which ignites a bitter rivalry between the two key figures under Crassus. Much to the surprise of Tiberius and Caesar, Crassus gives Tiberius a rank of commander in Crassus' army.

Spartacus candt

Tiberius and Caesar.

Tiberius is then located in an encampment alongside Mummius. With the duties of a high rank position under Crassus, Tiberius and Sabinus discuss their future political aspirations when Tiberius encounters Caesar, both of whom are not pleased with each other's presence. Suddenly, a deserting Sinuessa guard reaches their camp when he informs the two of Spartacus' takeover of the city. In the middle of Tiberius further questioning of the guard, however, Caesar smashes his sword into the guard's head, cleaving it in two and spraying blood onto Tiberius. The young commander is infuriated by this action, to which Caesar justifies for the soldier's cowardice. Tiberius informs Caesar he is under his command, although Caesar simply scoffs at this and walks away.

Tiberius Sabinus

Tiberius with Sabinus.

Learning of Spartacus' location, Tiberius considers the possibility of sneak attacking the city, although Sabinus worries about the consequences of this action. When Spartacus and the Cilician pirates make an arrangement of deals outside of the city into the shores, Tiberius takes an opportunistic action and orders Mummius to mobilize the soldiers into attack. He explains that his father would be disappointed if he didn't seize the chance to finish the enemy before ambushing the meeting and leading the soldiers into battle with a full-on force.

Tiberius Totus

Tiberius, killing Totus.

In the midst of battle, Tiberius showcases unexpected fighting skills, even besting few of the Rebels and pirates, although the tide is quickly turned. When he encounters Totus, Tiberius ends up seriously wounded by a spear to the midsection, although he ends up killing the rebel but loses his sword. Sabinus arrives just in time to escort Tiberius away from the battlefield, as the pirates launch fireballs onto the Romans, killing Mummius among others.

Tiberiuss

Tiberius killing a Rebel.

As a disgraced Tiberius tends to his wounds, he is reprimanded by Crassus for his humiliating defeat. The Imperator informs his son of Caesar's current disguise as a slave, and that the act of decimation will soon have to take place in order to instill fear and respect into the army. Crassus tells Tiberius fifty men will be chosen for the lottery, where only five stones picked will spell certain death, and that Tiberius is among the soldiers. With all ranks and position stripped from him, Tiberius ponders at his bleak future while painting the five white stones for the decimation lottery. Sabinus comes in to encourage Tiberius for his valiant efforts, although Tiberius is in too much of a somber mood.

Injured Tiberius

Tiberius, recovering from his injuries.

During the pickings for the decimation, Tiberius ends up a lucky recipient with a regular stone, although Sabinus ends up with a white stone, ensuring his death. Sabinus comforts Tiberius and tells him to follow command. A conflicted and an emotionally discharged Tiberius watches on as Sabinus and other soldiers get beaten to a bloody pulp with wooden clubs. As Sabinus' bloodied body is ravaged by countless blows, Tiberius mercifully ends his life with a club to the head. Afterwards, Tiberius becomes an emotional wreck, with deep resentment for his father, going as far as to coldly call him 'The Imperator' rather than father, and acting more as a soldier than a son.

Tiberius decimation

Decimation.

At the disgraced soldier's camp, Tiberius reminisces the white stone that declared the end of Sabinus' life, while he notices other soldiers beginning to fight over food. Upset by the injustice of Sabinus getting decimated over the desertion cowardly soldiers instead of the soldiers themselves, he goes over to them. Tiberius angrily asks "You wish to fight now ?!" and attacks two of them before furiously reprimanding them for their actions saying because of their cowardice they are mired in shame and says it is cruelest fate that they could live while his friend who stood ground is dead because of them. At night, he sees his father marching through the camp giving him a cold blank stare as the latter looks at him in surprise at his new growth.

Tiberius & Kore

Tiberius about to rape Kore.

Kore then offers her comfort to the broken boy, and eventually guides him to her tent. Deeply angered by Crassus' choice to discipline him with the death of his friend, he goes to the lavish, loving tent of Kore who attempts to comfort him, Tiberius breaks down lamenting his friend's passing. Kore hugs him before kissing his forehead telling him it would be alright. Overcome by emotion, Tiberius kisses her impulsively as Kore calmly refuses him but he grabs her hand stating "He took something from me, and I would have something in return". Tiberius rips off her clothes as she resists, but he threatens her telling her as slave she must do as he commands. Tiberius then brutally rapes the body slave as an act of revenge towards his father.

Tiberius & Kore

Tiberius telling Kore he won't be as gentle next time.

Later on, in order to return to him to his grace, Crassus offers Tiberius to help out in constructing a celebration for Caesar, whose subterfuge ultimately secured the rebel's defeat and departure from Sinuessa. Although annoyed by this, Tiberius accepts the proposal. Upon meeting up with Kore again, Tiberius threatens the body slave to keep their incident a secret, lest punishment from either Crassus or Tiberius himself fall on her. Kore tearfully questions him if all the years she has tended to him mean nothing. These words cause him to show some regret at first, but he then shrugs it off; merely stating they bring him some comfort before he once more reminds her to keep their encounter to herself. He also threatens her if she were to tell his father, he would not be as gentle next time.

Before the celebration of Caesar, Tiberius meets up with him for the preparations, where Caesar enjoys the pleasures of whores in his chambers. After Tiberius declines an offer of a whore from Caesar, the honored tribune belittles Tiberius and mockingly reminds the boy of his failures and Caesar's successes. When the celebration arrives, including the brutal deaths of captured slaves, a bitter Tiberius notices an angered Donar, whom is enraged by the actions of the Romans. As Donar is set to fight Caesar as the last of the festivities, Tiberius takes advantage of Donar's resentment of Caesar, and secretly unshackles him to try to kill Caesar. As the plan unfolds, Caesar notices this deceit, but goes along with it, and although Caesar is injured by Donar, he manages to defeat the rebel before Donar defiantly commits suicide. Although Tiberius' plan failed to kill Caesar, it at least managed to injure him and lower his effectiveness.

Tiberius pout

Tiberius, unhappy with the celebration.

After the celebrations, Crassus reinstates Tiberius to his former position, with promises of a more rewarding future, including Kore's promotion to a villaca in Sinuessa alongside Tiberius. Excited at the prospect, Tiberius goes on to inform Kore of Crassus' decision, and delights in the idea of it. Tiberius then gleefully watches as Caesar learns of the news of Tiberius' promotion and Caesar placement underneath him. Despite the Caesar's demotion and Tiberius' elevation, Caesar warns how "many a giant has tumbled to the afterlife" for believing themselves unable to fall from their hubris.

Spartacuss1228

Crassus, Caesar and Tiberius.

In the snowy mountains, Tiberius camps out with Crassus and the Roman army, awaiting their next move on Spartacus. When Tiberius learns of Caesar's presence, who was supposed to stay in Sinuessa, he angrily asks Caesar why he does not follow his commands, to which Caesar replies Tiberius of Kore's presence, worrying the boy. However, Kore slips off into the night towards Spartacus army, relieving Tiberius.

When Crassus, Caesar, and Tiberius scout out the ditch filled with the frozen corpses of rebels, Tiberius is disgusted by the 'savages' and their actions. It turns out to be a distraction, as Spartacus and his rebels attack Crassus and his Roman guards, although Crassus, Caesar, and Tiberius barely escape.

As they pursue Spartacus, Tiberius repeatedly questions and contradicts everything Caesar says and actually supports his father after he beats Senator Metellus in a fit of rage. This prompts Caesar to blackmail him over the rape of Kore which caused her flight that broke Crassus's heart. When Crixus makes for Rome, he urges his father to pursue Spartacus rather than defend Rome, which Caesar suggests defending. After taking their leave from Crassus, the two of them fall to a heated argument during which Caesar reveals that he learned the truth of Kore's rape. Tiberius smashes a flagon in Caesar's face and attacks him. The tribune easily bests him but is assaulted by the Praetorian Guard that protects Tiberius. They restrain Caesar, who Tiberius rapes, threatening to speak of it if Caesar reveals what he has learned.

Spartacuss1254

Tiberius about to kill Crixus.

After Crassus catches up to Crixus, Tiberius explains the fact that a sore Caesar is unable to ride by saying that he commanded him to charge on foot. During the battle, he leads a cavalry charge that breaks the rebels' flank. After watching his father fall off his horse, Tiberius yells for Crassus, and attempts to go to his aid. He manages to incapacitate Agron as he rides by, and later stabs Crixus in the back with a spear as he was about to kill Caesar who he taunts (declaring he would not have him die so easily, denying him a warrior's end) before having soldiers seize Naevia. For having supposedly defeated the Undefeated Gaul, Tiberius reclaims his sword and is granted the final kill via Crixus' decapitation.

Spartacusdefeats tiberius

Spartacus captures Tiberius.

A few days later, Tiberius is sent by Crassus that Pompey wants to aid Crassus in the hunt for Spartacus. Two messengers are sent and say that Pompey wants to meet with Crassus. Caesar warns Crassus that rebels might attack him on the way, so Crassus sends Tiberius instead. Tiberius discovers too late that it was a lie and Pompey is really Spartacus. He is then captured and beaten by Spartacus, along with his men. Tiberius is even stripped of his armor and reduced to wearing slave rags.

The rebels later arrange executions at an abandoned arena, as the Romans once did with them. An infuriated Tiberius commands his men to allow themselves deaths by the rebels so they wouldn't be used as forms of entertainment for them declaring “Remember that we are Romans and they nothing but slaves!” However, Kore appears and tells him “ And yet, you are the one who is in chains. A heavy thing is it not: to be so condemned to the whims of a master.” Tiberius shamelessly attempts to persuade Kore to free him to please his father, but she coldly rejects him (much to his shock and horror) before the former body slave tells Tiberius she will return to see him die and will enjoy the prospect of it.

Tiberius angrily watches on as his men are killed by the rebels for sport. When it is Tiberius turn, Naevia fights him, wanting revenge for Crixus. Saxa and Lugo drag the boy out into the arena. Before all the rebels, Naevia and Tiberius interact, with the son of Crassus being angered by the fact she is using his sword and demanding it back. His words are meant with a taunt by Naevia, who jests she thought it was made for a woman or even a "sickly child". These words angrily provoke him into charging at her beginning their battle.

Spartacus_War_Of_The_Damned_Tiberius_Death_Full_Scene

Spartacus War Of The Damned Tiberius Death Full Scene

The death of Tiberius

The fight is at first evenly matched, with both combatants getting in shots, but eventually Naevia slashes Tiberius on the leg and arms, somewhat crippling him into the ground. When she is about to make the final blow, Spartacus intervenes and says that Crassus has sent Caesar with a bargain; if the rebels spare Tiberius, Crassus will give them 500 rebel prisoners, taken in battle from Crixus. Naevia beats Tiberius and declared that she will have his life someday.

Kore!

Kore about to kill Tiberius.

Spartacus later takes Tiberius to Caesar, who is pleased to see Tiberius alive yet even more amused to see him severely beaten and reduced to such a lowly state. When they are about to hand Tiberius over, he accuses Caesar of setting him up and threatens to tell his father. However, Caesar taunts him on how he will have revenge for all the injustices Tiberius has done to him and others on the way back. Before they can leave, Kore suddenly appears and stabs Tiberius in the stomach with a knife. He then collapses to the ground and, after looking onto his attacker who gives a satisfied smirk, Tiberius dies of his wounds with a look of absolute humiliation and horror on his face. His corpse is later seen lying at the Roman camp with his father mourning. A face mold is made of him afterwards to which Crassus says he appears at peace. He reflects that it's a false image of the boy he knew who was always with the furrowed brow, just like his father.

Later, when meeting with Spartacus, Crassus learns from him that he didn't give the order to the "woman" to kill Tiberius, in this moment Crassus learns the truth for the death of his son but does not speak. After his exchange with Spartacus concludes, Crassus is bitter and goes back to his tent to confront both Kore and Caesar and the truth comes out fully. Kore confesses the whole truth when Crassus says only the truth will gain forgiveness. Caesar explains that Tiberius raped her. A shocked and horrified Crassus can tell it is not a lie and asks why she didn't tell him which she says she tried. Crassus then remembers back to telling Kore on the night she left that nothing could turn him against his son. Caesar says they didn't want to cause him further pain. Shamed and infuriated over what his son had done and become, Crassus looks at the mold of Tiberius' face and promptly destroys it in a fit of rage, seeing himself in it as 'twisted' and 'grotesque'. Kore tries to reassure him that his not his son and he pleads forgiveness to her for all she has suffered and endured (feeling his son's crimes are in turn his own); and tells her it shall end when Spartacus falls. The two then embrace warmly.

Relationships[]

Family[]

Marcus Licinius Crassus[]


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Tertulla[]


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Publius Licinius Crassus[]


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Friends and Allies[]

Hilarus[]


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Enemies[]

Gaius Julius Caesar[]


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Kore[]


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Spartacus[]


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Historical context[]

Historically, Crassus had no son named Tiberius. Crassus had two sons, Marcus and Publius. If Tiberius is supposed to represent the real-life firstborn son of Marcus Crassus (also called Marcus), then he may have been born as early as the Roman year of 668 Ab Urbe Conditia (86 BCE), otherwise known as the Year of the Consulship of Lucius Cornelius Cinna and Gaius Marius.

  • Throughout War of the Damned, there are several characters who name him and refer to him as a "boy", that means that he was 14 years old. In 71 BC, Marcus would have been 14 or 15, depending on the year he was actually born (86-85 BC). In Roman society, Roman boys became legally adult men at the age of 15, and were unable to be recruited or join the Roman army until they were at least 15.

List of Appearances[]

Killed Victims[]

Trivia[]

  • Historically, Crassus had no known son named Tiberius. Crassus had two sons, Marcus and Publius.
  • Tiberius is still considered too young to be appointed to the rank of military tribune, but still appears as an officer of some rank in his father's own legions. With his father's influence, Tiberius could stand to attain the rank of Tribunus Laticlavius (broad-striped tribune), the official second-in-command of a legion. Tiberius might hold a more provisional rank of Praefectus Cohortis (cohort prefect), which was a rank usually associated with the Auxilia. But as Tiberius serves in what is effectively his father's own private army, the military hierarchy may not be as straight-forward.
    • Another possible military rank held by Tiberius may have been that of a Tribunus Rufulus, or "officer picked by the commander", which was actually how his father appointed him.
    • Before he was granted a commission as his father's second in command, Tiberius may have been referred to as an Adulescens, which means "young man", though the term appears in Caesar's Commentaries as a senator's son serving in the army without a formal commission.
  • Tiberius is the seventeenth main character to be killed.
  • Tiberius is the last main antagonist to die in the series.
  • Tiberius and his family belong to the Gens Licinia, a dynasty of Etruscan origins who have risen from the Plebeian order. Among his forebears, are Gaius Licinius, a Tribunus Plebis elected in 493 BCE. And one Publius Licinius Varus, whom would later be renamed Publius Licinius Crassus Dives, who was elected Pontifex Maximus in 213 BCE, and Consul in 205 BCE, alongside Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus.
  • Filius is the Latin word for "son".
  • Frater and Germanus are both Latin words for "brother" (his relationship to Publius Crassus).
  • Amicus is the Latin word for "friend" (his relationship to Sabinus).
  • Although never specifically stated, it is implied that Tiberius and Sabinus might have been lovers, which would likely have increased the emotianal impact on Tiberius in having to kill Sabinus via decimation.
    • However, the possibility of a romantic relationship between the two characters has been denied by Christian Antidormi.

Gallery[]

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