I am interested in exploring the dichotomy between the ancient and modern public perception of slave revolts. I find it fascinating that even within each of these categories, there is a different view of slaves based on the specific circumstances surrounding a revolt. For example, under a contemporary perception of a general slave revolt and its leader, there can be and is a large gap in the difference between two slave revolts, for example that of Spartacus in c. 72 BC, and that of Nat Turner in the 1840s. Although contemporary scholars understand the suffering that Turner underwent, his perception fails to hold the same grandeur that Spartacus does. Spartacus is glorified, and I hope to analyze this as part of my research. Also, the perception of Spartacus during his time was a mix of fear and idolization. Was this because he was a Gladiator? Hailed like a modern day professional athlete? I hope to answer these questions.
A Dichotomy in contemporary media perception:
Nat Turner's image (left) is clearly designed to look unkempt and disrespected
http://virginiavignettes.org/2006/11/who-was-nat-turner/
vs.
Spartacus, in Starz's Spartacus: Blood and Sand, is hailed as one of the greatest warriors of all time.
http://popculturezoo.com/2009/12/starz-gives-early-order-for-spatacus-season-two/
