The Dichotomy of the Public Perception of Two Slave Revolts: Spartacus and Nat Turner

A natural analogy can be drawn between two famous slave revolts--that of Spartacus in Rome, and the American Slave, Nat Turner in 1831.  An article from the Richmond Enquirer on Nat Turner's Rebellion in Virginia on August 30th 1831 gives an insight into the public view of Turner that was contemporary at the time.  It is clear that he is both feared and criminalized.  The newspaper author blames him for the death of over 50 men women and children.  How do we perceive the "great" Roman slave Spartacus, though?  Very differently in my opinion.  Look at two contemporary portrayals: the film Spartacus (1960), and the Starz series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010). There is no doubt that Spartacus is glorified for his defiance of societies norms.  He is seen a liberator, a rogue, and a hero.  How different was his agenda to Turner's?  How differently do we perceive the two slaves?

Do the two collaborate? I think not.