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The revolt by Spartacus is one of the most well-known events in the ancient world. It was in many ways a decisive defeat and slavery remained very common in its aftermath. However, the revolt was very important in the history of Rome. It led to instability and economic contraction in southern Italy and in politics it led to the rise of Crassus. It seems that the revolt did manage to change the way that masters treated their slaves. The revolt demonstrated that slaves could be dangerous and the person of Spartacus showed that they could be the equals of the Romans. This changed the view of many and they began to treat their slaves with more compassion to prevent another slave insurrection. The revolt of 73-71 BCE may even have led in the longer-term to changes in the legal system that gave some rights to slaves. The devastation caused by the ex-slaves and gladiators in southern Italy led to a temporary slave shortage and this led to a move away from slave labor on landed estates to an early form of feudalism. The significance of this was that it may have led to a reduction in the slave numbers in many regions.

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