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Oenomaus
First appearance Comic #4: The Shadow of Death
S0E01: Past Transgressions
S1E02: Sacramentum Gladiatorum
S2E01: Fugitivus
Last appearance S2E10: Wrath of the Gods
S3E10: Victory (Gannicus' Vision)
Profession Former Gladiator (House of Batiatus)
Doctore (House of Batiatus)
Escaped Slave
Rebel
Race Numidian
Relationships Titus Lentulus Batiatus (Dominus/Friend, deceased )
Quintus Lentulus Batiatus (Dominus/Friend, deceased)
Melitta (Wife, deceased)
Gannicus (Best Friend, deceased)
Ulpius (Doctore/Friend, deceased)
Spartacus (Student/Friend, deceased)
Crixus (Student/Friend, deceased)
Barca (Friend, deceased)
Auctus (Friend, deceased)
Naevia (Friend, deceased)
Agron (Student/Friend)
Tyronius (Student/Friend)
Theokoles (Archenemy, deceased)
Tullius (Enemy, deceased)
Ashur (Student/Enemy, deceased)
Gaius Claudius Glaber (Enemy, deceased)
The Egyptian (Enemy, deceased)
Publius Varinius (Enemy, deceased)
Status Deceased (Mortally Wounded in Battle by The Egyptian)
Actor/Actress Peter Mensah
Tapiwa Soropa (Young Oenomaus)
Doctore redirects here. For Oenomaus' predecessor, see Ulpius. For the title given to a gladiator trainer, see Doctore (title). For the category list of this profession, see here.

Oenomaus is a central character in Spartacus. He is the gladiator trainer in Batiatus' Ludus, traditionally referred to only by the title of "Doctore". At a young age, he was recruited into the Ludus by former lanista Titus Batiatus, whom he came to see as a father figure. After the downfall of the House of Batiatus, Oenomaus believed he had lost his purpose in the world and retired himself to die in The Pit. However, with the help of Spartacus and the other Rebels, he eventually finds a new purpose and joins the Rebels' cause, quickly being recognized as a mentor. He was married to Melitta before her death.

Appearance

Oenomaus is a tall, very muscular man who has dark skin and no hair. He is almost always seen wearing the Doctore armor, which hides three large scars he received from his fight with Theokoles. Another scar cuts across the left side of his face. During a fight with The Egyptian, Oenomaus lost his left eye.

In his youth, Oenomaus had short black hair and a thin build, along with a ferocious, yet undisciplined, fighting style, such as that of a wild beast.

Personality

Oenomaus is a man of high principle. Ever since joining Titus Lentulus Batiatus' Ludus, he defined his purpose in life as fighting for the honor of the House of Batiatus, and upheld that belief until its fall. Being trained as a gladiator since he was young, he holds honor and brotherhood in the highest regard, holding disdain for those who disregard this, such as Ashur and, at first, Spartacus.

Oenomaus is typically a calm, disciplined and rather reserved man, a stark contrast to the boisterous and boastful attitude his best friend, Gannicus. He accepts his place as a slave without complaint, and follows his masters command rarely questioning them. Despite this, he saw some activities he was forced to endure as dishonorable, such as orgies, and even once questioned his master on the death of Barca. Oenomaus has sharp eyes and a keen mind, and is quick to realize lies or dishonesty.

His softest side side is definitely in the loving relationship he has with his wife, Melitta, who he never stopped loving even long after her death.

After his defeat at the hands of Theokoles, he was deeply ashamed, despite being the only one at the time who survived a battle with the Shadow of Death. He had lost prominence in the Ludus, and tried to regain the favor of Batiatus, but he was instead named Doctore. Once an student of his defeated Theokoles, his shame after defeat was finally gone.

Once entrusted with the role of Doctore, Oenomeus developed a harsher side to him, resembling his mentor, Ulpius. He instructed both recruits and gladiators with harsh words, strict discipline and violence if needed. He was unafraid of using his whip to impose his will, or even using harsher punishment if the student proved to be stubborn or disrespectful. Despite this severe means, he did it to make champions out of the slaves, and to bring honor to the House of Batiatus.

After the fall of the House of Batiatus, Oenomaus was left without purpose.

He has a strong, undying love for his wife, Melitta, and his closest friend, Gannicus, though he feels a strong sense of betrayal after finding out they both had slept together. As a result he becomes bitter towards them, though only after a while; before dying, Oenomaus forgives them both, happily in Gannicus' arms before going to meet his wife in the afterlife.

Combat Prowess

As a former gladiator and doctore, Oenomaus is not only knowledgeable of various fighting styles, but is also skilled in multiple ways of fighting, and has several years of training dating back to childhood. Oenomaus stands among the highest echelon of fighters in the series as he has only once been defeated in fair combat, by the Shadow of Death, Theokeles. Having instructed both Crixus and Spartacus to become Champions of Capua respectively as Doctore, he was able to defeat the two of them, even when fighting as a duo albeit poorly. Despite his injuries and never resuming his gladiatorial days, Onomaus still proved fiercest of warriors. Only when faced with someone of nearly equal tall stature and burlier body, did he fall.

Combined with his expertise in swordplay and pugilistic, as well as his speed and strength, Oenomaus is almost unmatched in combat alone. His prowess in all such fields make him perhaps the strongest and most powerful warrior in the series. Because of his background experiences, Oenomaus is well-trained against an array of different opponents, such as gladiators, thugs, rebels, and Roman soldiers, and is able to fight against multiple opponents at once. Oenomaus also displays great vitality and durability to withstand pain, such as his encounters with Theokoles, the Egypian and Ashur. None stand as determined nor resistant to physical torture apart from perhaps the Shadow of Death himself. Proven not only by the fact that Oenomaus is the only other along with Crixus to survive Theokoles’ onslaught (even submitting twice as many lethal blows), yet also never flinch if whipped dozens of times, burned with hot metal, rubble falling above him and several harsh fights in the Pits.

In terms of fighting capabilities Oenomaus is more like a mirror of his actor, Peter Mensah: both men are masters of multiple fighting styles and both were competitors in combat sports.

History

Little of Oenomaus' past has been revealed. He believes his life was meaningless before he became a gladiator, and thus does not value or speak of it.

Young Oenomaus

Young Oenomaus fighting in The Pit.

As a young man, Oenomaus and several Numidian were condemned to fight in the Pits after being sold to the pit boss by Maalok. He was the lone survivor after showing an unusual level of ferocity and fighting prowess, despite his small size. He adorned white face paint and fought several large opponents while being cheered on. He was purchased in the Pits by Titus Lentulus Batiatus for eight denarii, during a period of Quintus Lentulus Batiatus' youth. The former took care forging him into a gladiator, encouraging him to find an honorable reason to fight, instead of simply doing so to survive. Oenomaus eventually chose to fight for the purpose of honoring the House of Batiatus.

Oentheok

Oenomaus wounded by Theokoles.

Trained to be highly skilled gladiator by Titus' Doctore Ulpius, Oenomaus would eventually rise to the title of Champion, and a reward was given: Lucretia's body slave, Melitta, who became his wife. However, unlike many ordered unions between slaves, Oenomaus and Melitta genuinely fell in love and were happy together, even though they were only allowed to be together once a week.

Oenomaus became highly respected amongst the brotherhood. His greatest friend was Gannicus, a Celt, while also developing strong friendships with others such as Barca and Auctus. Also, unusual for a gladiator, he maintained a strong friendship with his Dominus, Titus Batiatus.

At the peak of his prowess, he was chosen to fight the most fearsome gladiator of the age, Theokoles the Shadow of Death in the city of Pompeii. However, this opponent proved too much for even Oenomaus' considerable skill, and he received near mortal wounds at the giant's hands. However, he survived longer than any other opponent to face Theokoles, which the spectators counted as a victory and allowed him to live.

Gods of the Arena

Oenomaus as a Gladiator

Oenomaus as a Gladiator.

Oenomaus spent a year in recovery from his wounds he suffered from Theokoles in Pompeii. He was very eager to step onto the sands again but he was often swept aside by Batiatus' faith in Gannicus. Before he could return to the sands, he was elevated to the position of Doctore by his master, a fact which caused the current Doctore - Ulpius - to challenge Oenomaus to a fight and be killed in self-defense. As he was dying, he told Oenomaus that he had taught him well. In his absence, or before, Gannicus had been made Champion by Quintus and Titus had gone to Sicily for his health (he was actually being poisoned by Lucretia).

Oenomaus-doctore

Oenomaus assumes mantle as Doctore.

Oenomaus was hesitant about using his whip or having a commanding presence and was even disrespected and disobeyed by some of the gladiators. It wasn't until Melitta inspired him to be the man she fell in love with and gain the respect he needed for the role. The first gladiator branded under his watch was a recruit, Crixus. After his old master and friend Titus returns from retirement, he decides to arrange a competition to determine the worth of all the gladiators with the condition that all those ranked well would become veteran gladiators and those that did poorly would be sent to the Mines. During this competition, Oenomaus learns that Gannicus will be sold. Oenomaus begs Titus to reconsider, and they reach a compromise that if Gannicus is victorious, he will officially become champion. If he falls, he will be sold to Tullius. With this knowledge, Gannicus decides to lose to be spared the pain of loving Melitta, something Oenomaus has no knowledge of.

Later that night, Titus falls ill, and Quintus and Oenomaus leave for town to find medicine for him. In that time, Titus is killed by Lucretia and Melitta is accidentally poisoned after she went to visit Gannicus. Oenomaus returns heartbroken to find his old master dead along with his beloved wife. After eight days of mourning, Oenomaus learns that Batiatus intends on selling Gannicus and tells him how upset it made him only for Gannicus to reveal that he urged Batiatus to sell him to Tullius. Oenomaus questions Gannicus on his eagerness to be sold and the Celt tells him that it’s because he wants to kill Tullius to avenge Melitta as it was the poison in the wine Tullius gave Titus that killed her. Oenomaus rebuffs this as foolishness and tells Gannicus that he does not wish for another person he loved to be killed, especially by Tullius. Gannicus begins to tell the truth about Melitta but is quickly interrupted by Batiatus who reveals that Gannicus is not to be sold, instead to be part of a revenge mission on Tullius.

Gannicus-Oenomaus farawell

Oenomaus gives his farewell to Gannicus.

Oenomaus is selected along with Barca, Gnaeus, Gannicus, Ashur and Rhaskos by Batiatus to bring with him on this mission. The conclusion sees Batiatus, Oenomaus and Gannicus taking revenge for their fallen loved ones and later stuffing him in the new arena. Later before the Games of the New Arena begin, Oenomaus tries to encourage Gannicus to fight for the honor of the House of Batiatus. Gannicus tells him that he does not care for the honor. Oenomaus then tells him to fight for Melitta's memory and Gannicus is quickly inspired. At the end of the fight, Oenomaus watches Gannicus get beaten to the ground by Caburus. As he prepares to die, he gives a final glanceto Oenomaus and is reminded of the purpose for which he fights. He brutally kills Caburus and is awarded freedom.

The next day, the gladiators celebrate Gannicus' victory. Oenomaus brings Gannicus his rudis - proof he is no longer a slave. After Gannicus tells him that Melitta loved Oenomaus above all others, they give what they believe will be their final embrace and Gannicus departs having given his best friend a heartfelt goodbye.

Blood and Sand

Oenomaus-whipping

Oenomaus as Doctore.

Doctore is shown as a strong gladiator throughout the series. He is the only gladiator that Batiatus trusts with the training of his men. He is seen throughout the season, always patrolling the training area and offering advice or discipline, only using his whip rather than his sword. He has also formed a friendship with Crixus, though this relationship lacks the closeness of the one he shared with Gannicus.

He introduces Spartacus and the other recruits to the life of being a gladiator, which included brutal training exercises and verbal assaults. He originally dislikes the Thracian for his insubordination and unpredictability, although he gained some respect for him after he earned the mark of the brotherhood.

Later, he is assigned by Batiatus to train Crixus and Spartacus to fight as one against the Gladiator that originally bested him, Theokoles. At first he attempts to have his dominus allow him to fight the giant again, he is refused and ordered to prepare his men for the fight. Although he believed his efforts to be futile, believing Theokoles to be a truly supernatural creature, he adamantly attempted to train the two gladiators. Though past his gladiator prime, he demonstrates how he is not only the finest Doctore in the House of Batiatus, but also how he is the only to live from battle against Theokoles. Both Spartacus and Crixus, formidable warriors, fail to land a single blow upon him. The two compete and interrupt each other’s strategies, prompting Oenomaus to easily trip them over. Realising his advice fall upon deaf ears, he removes his armour to demonstrate the scars left by the Shadow of Death, which manage to pierce attention.

Oenomaus trains spartacus and crixus

Oenomaus trains Spartacus and Crixus to face Theokoles.

When the face the giant in arena, Crixus' arrogance leads him to be bested and wounded in nearly the same way as Doctore was, and it is only by the efforts of Spartacus, and Crixus' last feeble stand that the giant is killed, although Crixus nearly dies from his wounds.

As Spartacus prepares to escape once Sura arrives, he realizes that Doctore would be the only obstacle in his path. Not only does the Doctore possess a sharper eye than any other, he also has the highest regard for discipline and loyalty to Batiatus, additionally he is also the only warrior capable of stopping him completely warrior-to-warrior. Spartacus brings him wine laced with a sleeping drug, but Doctore will not accept any, saying he has not had alcohol since Melitta's death. He even speaks briefly of her before she died, and he then accepts the wine in good faith, collapsing after he has had his cup. The next morning, Sura's caravan approaches the ludus, but Doctore wakes up earlier than Spartacus expected. Doctore moves to confront Spartacus for his misdoings, but stops short as he sees the dying Sura. He softens momentarily as Spartacus shares his last words with Sura. Doctore refrains from confronting Spartacus, understanding his grief, and walks slowly back toward the Villa. [1] He enacts his punishment on him shortly after by fighting Spartacus in the training area and besting him. From then on the affair is forgotten.[2]

When Barca disappears from the ludus under the premise that he bought his freedom, Doctore is initially happy for him, but his suspicions are aroused when he learns that Pietros, Barca's lover, was not taken with him. He questions both Naevia and Ashur who were at the scene of Barca's departure and notices discrepancies in their stories. The subject is not delved into any further, however, until Naevia is cast out of the ludus due to her affair with Crixus being exposed by Ashur. On her way out, Naevia tells Doctore the truth; that Barca was killed for supposed disloyalty (which is reveasled that Ashur had set Barca up to avoid paying him his winnings). Doctore is horrified that a gladiator who brought great honor to the ludus (as well as a dear friend of his) would be discarded after he had rightfully earned his freedom. Hence, his longstanding trust in Batiatus is left deeply shaken.

On the eve of Batiatus' celebration for receiving patronage from Claudius Glaber, Doctore watches as the Roman guards abuse the gladiators needlessly. He brings the matter to Batiatus, who dismisses it. He then questions Barca's murder and Batiatus dismisses that also, lying that Barca disobeyed his orders and had to be punished for it, but Doctore doesn't seem convinced (especially about Ashur's involvement). Batiatus then announces that those matters will soon be Doctore's responsibility as Batiatus has prepared documents to free Doctore and hand the ludus over to him, and he calls Doctore by his real name: Oenomaus. He then leaves to give Crixus notice that he will fight to the death with Spartacus at Batiatus' celebration.

1010 watermark 450x tumblr l6cmnggczk1qc8hj1o1 500

At the celebration, Doctore observes the deathmatch between Spartacus and Crixus. He notices something is off as Crixus motions toward Spartacus, who leaps off the shield and onto the balcony of the villa, killing Sextus. Just as Spartacus moves against Batiatus, Doctore lashes his whip and catches his arm, saving Batiatus. Crixus cuts the whip and moves to take his vengeance on the guards along with the other gladiators. Doctore reaches Crixus and demands to know the reason for the rebellion and Crixus explains Batiatus' other deceptions: that Sura was also murdered on Batiatus' orders and that he had Crixus' food poisoned to ensure his death.

Doctore, enraged, chases Ashur down to the gladiators' baths and confronts him regarding his lies about Barca's fate. A brief duel ensues and Doctore emerges victorious with little effort, noting Ashur’s abysmal skill and treacherous deeds. As Ashur retorts by justifying that he had to fend for himself as the other men granted nothing short but mockery and scorn his entire time at Batiatus. Still, this unfazed the Doctore which delivers the harsh truth of Ashur’s actions and that it was at an end. The beaten opponent pleads for an honorable death. Granting his last wish, Doctore prepares for the killing strike just as Ashur whips around and stabs him in the leg, fleeing immediately after. Doctore chases Ashur to the courtyard, but Ashur manages to escape.

He finds Spartacus just as Aurelia kills Numerius, and asks "How many more must die?". Spartacus replies, "I see but one." He follows Spartacus into the center of the villa as the other gladiators have Batiatus cornered. Batiatus pleads for "Oenomaus," revealing his true name to the gladiators, but Doctore remains silent and watches as Batiatus drops his sword and is killed by Spartacus. He leaves the ludus, along with the other gladiators and slaves, as they prepare to escape and exact their revenge on Rome.[3]

Vengeance

Having forsaken his title of Doctore, Oenomaus abandons the other slaves and wanders Capua in disguise, and takes to watching the continued games in the arena. However, with both the houses of Solonius and Batiatus no longer providing gladiators for the crowd to watch, the games are pathetic in comparison to those of previous years.

Later, he is accosted in the streets at night by a group of men whom have recognized him and wish to claim the price on his head. They attempt to kill him, but he easily slaughters them. That morning he witnesses the arrival of Praetor Gaius Claudius Glaber and his contingent of Roman soldiers, capable of wiping out the newly formed resistance. Oenomaus seeks Spartacus and the other rebels in the sewers and warns them of the impending attack, although refusing to help them.

Addonexus

Oenomaus as Addonexus.

With nothing left to live for, he willingly returns to "the only place left for an animal without honor": The Pit. He applies the white face-paint once used to humiliate him, and begins fighting any opponent that will face him (under the alias Addonexus), hoping to be killed eventually. His first opponent - Liberius - wounds him in the shoulder, but Oenomaus is victorious. Not only is he victorious, but he requests to be pitted against more fighters. He continues to battle opponents, too skilled and probed to physical punishment to be defeated, until one - Caratacus - nearly beats him to death with a hammer. Before he can finish Oenomaus off, however, Caratacus is killed by Ashur, as he leaps into the arena to capture his former teacher in his weakened condition. The Syrian has two men present the former Doctore to Glaber, having been working in secret with Lucretia, and staging the capture as a gift from the gods.

Oenomaus tortured by Ashur

Oenomaus being tortured and interrogated by Ashur.

After capture by Ashur, Oenomaus goes through painful torture at his hands in hopes of breaking him and making him give up Spartacus' location. However, this does not work and after withstanding lashing for several hours made a tired Ashur cramp the arm he held the whip. After spitting on his face, the Syrian attempts to kill Oenomaus out of frustration, but Lucretia stops him from doing so. She tells Ashur of the secret affair between Gannicus, Oenomaus' best friend & former gladiator, and Melitta, his wife and Lucretia's body slave, who was poisoned on the night she was with Gannicus. Soon after, Ashur tells Oenomaus this and it enrages him to the point that he mistakenly reveals the location of Spartacus and the rebels.

Crixus, Rhaskos, and Acer, are imprisoned in the ludus along with Oenomaus. Upon seeing him, Crixus tells Oenomaus of how they have found Naevia, but Oenomaus tells him that women are delicate creatures, unable to shift his thoughts from his wife's betrayal. The prisoners are then presented to a party of Roman nobles, where Acer is tortured and killed and Praetor Varinius condemning the rest to die fighting in the arena.

!!!Dustin-Clare-as-Gannicus-SpartacusVengeance-Libertus

Gannicus vs. Oenomaus.

After much waiting, Oenomaus, Crixus, and Rhaskos are presented in the arena for execution, with their hands and legs chained and each armed with a single, blunt sword. They realize that the "fight" to come is but a show: they have been given inferior weapons to further remove any chance of survival. They are shocked to discover that Gannicus has been recruited to fight among the opposing gladiators. When Crixus asks why Gannicus would do such a thing, Oenomaus answers by saying that he is a man without honor. Gannicus awkwardly greets his former brother by saying they at last face each other upon the sands as Melitta had always feared. Oenomaus questions Gannicus asking if it was true that he slept with Melitta the night she died. Gannicus hesitates to answer, and Oenomaus, believing this to be a yes, ferociously attacks in response, beginning the games. Gannicus and Oenomaus focus solely on each other, unaware that the rebels are secretly in the arena. Oenomaus kicks Gannicus, which causes him to fall to the ground on his back, and would have killed Gannicus despite his constraints, but an enemy gladiator interferes. As the two begin fighting again, they appear evenly matched, but Gannicus manages to overpower Oenomaus due to the latter's weakened condition and constraints. Gannicus prepares to kill Oenomaus, but at that moment, the rebels bring down the arena, and a canopy collapses over the two.

Spartacus and Agron, disguised as Roman guards, kill the remaining gladiators and guards and rescue Crixus, Rhaskos having been killed only moments earlier. The three then look for Oenomaus, and find him unconscious and still at Gannicus' mercy. Gannicus decides to help the rebels, and he and Crixus carry Oenomaus to safety.

Oenomaus recuperates at the rebels' hideout. Gannicus takes this time to explain how Melitta chose Oenomaus and what happened was not her fault. Oenomaus spurns him as a selfish man, and Gannicus leaves, feeling guilty for all of the horrible things that he has done to his former friend.

Oenomaus is soon back on his feet, and happily greets his former students as allies, including Spartacus. He quickly rises to a prominent position, set to the task of training the rebels and keeping them at peace with each other. Like Crixus and Lucius, he appeared to hold some sort of doubt of the new German additions. When fighting came between the rebels and the Germans, Oenomaus participates in the fighting, easily besting any who attempted to attack him, despite still being in recovery from his injuries.

Oenomaus in vengeance

Oenomaus as a Rebel Leader.

After conflicts have subsided, Oenomaus begins to train the Germans and other rebels in the ways of the gladiator at their temple base.

Eventually Gannicus returns with a captured Ilithyia and begins to ask for forgiveness but Oenomaus states he cannot be forgiven and their brotherhood was a lie as Gannicus had always stood for nothing.

Later Spartacus releases Ilithyia and decides to hold a challenge where those who have tension against each other must fight. He and Gannicus are paired up against Crixus and Agron in contest. Oenomaus makes quick work of Agron, demonstrating superior strength, parries and hand-to-hand combat. The Germanic fails to even land a single hit. The duo then cooperate together and easily best their opponents and thus establishing a sliver of trust and brotherhood back between the two.

When Glaber and his men (including Varinius) attack Spartacus' Rebel stronghold, Oenomaus proves a formidable opponent in the fighting. Whether by choice or the orders of Spartacus, he remains at the temple while the other gladiators use guerrilla tactics to weaken the Roman forces before they arrive. When the initial wave of troops breach the wall, Oenomaus kills many of them with relative ease, despite still recovering from his injuries and being without his preferred weapons. Later, when the temple is under siege by Glaber's machines and the walls are ruined, Oenomaus finds no match in the Romans until he faces the Egyptian. Armed with a single sword, and no shield, he against the Egyptian's dual daggers, the two clash for an extended period. While they appear to be evenly matched for the duration of the vicious contest, the Egyptian eventually presses advantage as Oenomaus’ greater age and scars begins to slightly tire him, struggling to keep up with the Egyptian’s impressive strength. Up until now, he has kept him at bay by parrying and blocking swift swipes, yet finds his left arm pinned against a pillar. The dagger-wielding foe bests him by stabbing him through the hand with one of his blades, and then through the eye with a final push. Then, twisting his penetrated dagger, the Egyptian rends Oenomaus' left eye, destroying it in the process. Luckily for the former Doctore, Gannicus, seeing his friend in peril, kicks the Egyptian to the ground and supports the wounded Oenomaus through the tunnels and to safety.

Oenomaus would later recover to the point that he can battle, and his mode is in very high spirit, as he fully embraces their cause and admires Spartacus ambitions and thinks very highly of him. He was tasked with leading the remaining rebels down the mountain and flanking the Romans as Spartacus, Crixus, Gannicus and Agron engaged Glaber's army

Oenomaussc

Oenomaus, wounded from battle, speaks wisdom to the rebel army.

Oenomaus soon leads the rebels into battle after seeing the signal (Roman camps being destroyed). He once again finds himself doing battle together with his fellow brothers against the Roman soldiers. Although not nearly at full strength and badly wounded from battles in the Pit, torture, the fall of the arena and his previous encounter with the Egyptian, he easily kills several soldiers. Gannicus, spotting the Egyptian engages him with haste. Although displaying a valiant effort he is quickly overpowered and knocked to the ground. As the Egyptian motions to deal a crippling blow, Oenomaus intervenes saving Gannicus' life.

Oendeath

Death of Oenomaus by the Egyptian.

Oenomaus delivers a grave wound to the Egyptians lower abdomen and knocks him down with a powerful punch, remarking, "I owe you pain." He then hastens to the aid of Gannicus and helps him to his feet. Together they deal many more blows to the roman soldiers. The Egyptian recovers and receives two more wounds; one across the chest by Oenomaus the other in the arm by Gannicus. The Egyptian parries an attack by Gannicus knocking him aside. Oenomaus downwards strike is grabbed and receives a fatal stab through his torso.

The Egyptian, seriously wounded with a lowered guard is attacked by an enraged Gannicus. Although the Egyptian makes a few parries he is quickly overwhelmed and brutally killed when Gannicus destroys a large part of his skull, killing him instantly. Gannicus then heads to Oenomaus' side, embracing him in his arms. Oenomaus is warm with the thought of meeting his wife in the afterlife and promises they will greet Gannicus as a brother when his time comes. Oenomaus takes his final breath and dies in the arms of a weeping Gannicus. He dies with honor, dignity, pride, and an amended relationship with his old friend Gannicus.

War of the Damned

Despite Oenomaus' death in Vengeance, his legacy remains prominent throughout the final season. With Oenomaus' death, Gannicus stays with the rebels in honor of the fallen friend. While he still doubts the cause, he fights in Oenomaus' honor but still doesn't desire to be a leader. In addition, he also takes on Oenomaus' role in counselling Spartacus.

Before his death at the gates of Rome, Crixus rallies his troops with a stirring motivational speech mirroring that of Oenomaus' own before the gladiator recruits, and even mentions the former Doctore as an inspirational influence.

At the tribute games to honor Crixus, when Laeta questions Spartacus on why Gannicus, a free man, would fight against the Republic Spartacus remarks that he did so to honour the memory of Oenomaus, with Spartacus fondly remarking him as the man who taught him and many others how to fight.

During Crixus' funeral pyre, the rest of the Rebels call out the names of the fallen to honor them, with Gannicus shouting the name of Oenomaus.

During Gannicus' dying moments as he is crucified, he sees Oenomaus smiling upon him, and an arena cheering him on, allowing him to die happy.

List of Appearances

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena

Spartacus: Blood and Sand

Spartacus: Vengeance

Spartacus: War of the Damned

Killed Victims

Books

Oenomaus appears as one of the major characters in Spartacus: Swords and Ashes and Spartacus: Morituri.

Video Games

  • In the Spartacus: Blood and Sand iPhone game, Oenomaus is one of the playable characters, though he is only named as "Doctore". He fights with a trident and large shield, and is physically modeled after actor Peter Mensah.
  • He is also available after beating him in the PS3/X360 game Spartacus Legends. He fights in the same armor he wore against Theokoles, as well as using the same gladius and shield (the size is not very clear between a parmula and a scutum).

Historical Context

Aside from Spartacus, Crixus, Gannicus, and Castus, Oenomaus is the only other person mentioned by name in the historical record that escaped from the Ludus of Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Batiatus. He is named as one of main leaders chosen by the escaped gladiators, the other two being Spartacus and Crixus.

As opposed to his portrayal in the show as being of Numidian origin, the historical Oenomaus was either of Gallic or otherwise Celtic origin, like Crixus or Gannicus, respectively. As his recorded name was Greek, "Oenomaus" was likely the name given to him after his enslavement (if he was freeborn instead of a Verna).

The historical Oenomaus was likely involved in the earliest major success of the rebels after fleeing the ludus, namely the defeat of Praetor Gaius Claudius Glaber at Mount Vesuvius. Oenomaus is not mentioned again in the historical sources after this battle, indicating he most likely fell in a following battle or skirmish, possibly during the winter of 73-72 BC when the swelling rebels ranks were plundering cities and towns in southern Italy. Therefore, although his death is never confirmed or described after the spring of 73 BC, his premature demise in the show is not inaccurate.

Trivia

  • Peter Mensah, the actor who plays Oenomaus is 194cm (6'4") tall and weighs 215lbs.
  • Oenomaus is treated as being younger than his Doctore. In real life, Peter Mensah is 2 years older than Temuera Morrison.
  • In The Shadow of Death comic, Oenomaus is seen fighting Theokoles as a Dimachaerus, but in the flashback in episode Shadow Games he fights him as murmillo.
  • Oenomaus was the tenth main character to be killed.
  • Oenomaus is the only major heterosexual male character that is known to has ever had sex with only one woman.
  • Addonexus, Oenomaus' alias in the Pits, loosely translates to "Deathbringer".
  • Titus Batiatus heralds Oenomaus as the finest champion in the The House of Batiatus; the two are also very close.
    • Titus Batiatus considers Oenomaus as his second son. He had always planned for Oenomaus to be Doctore and it is revealed that the creators thought about having Titus' dying wish is for Oenomaus to own the Ludus and have Quintus lie to him. Quintus still, however, desired to hand over the Ludus to Oenomaus when the time came that he could advance himself into political office.
    • Former gladiators who were freed could become Lanistae, as Batiatus made his wish for Oenomaus to succeed him in the management of his family's ludus.
    • If Oenomaus had gained his freedom from Batiatus and inherited the Ludus, he would have adopted the personal name and Gens (Roman clan name) of his master, and become known Quintus Lentulus Oenomaus.
  • In the featurette 'Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Behind The Scenes', Peter Mensah states that Oenomaus was born into the ludus, yet in the second series episode A Place In This World, it is shown that Titus Batiatus found Oenomaus in The Pit and bought him. It is likely that a proper backstory had never been decided by the end of Blood and Sand so Mensah's statement was just an assumption on his part.
  • The title of Doctore is Latin for 'teacher' or 'instructor'.
  • As a champion of the House of Batiatus, he would be called a Campionem in Latin.
  • Although labeled in the show as a Numidian, the catch-all term for Black Africans used by the ancient Greeks and Romans was "Ethiopian" (long before it became the name for the modern country of Ethiopia). However, it's still possible that Oenomaus could have his origins among the Numidians, who belong to the Amazigh or Berber people, who are a large heterogeneous population composed of sub-groups as the Tuaregs whom live on both sides of the Sahara Desert, the Riffians found in Morocco and groups like the Kabyle and Chaoui people who are found in Algeria and Tunisia. The term "Libyan" was used by the Greeks and Romans to specifically designate North African peoples like the Numidians, Maures, Garamantes and the Gaetulians.
    • Since Numidia was a Berber kingdom that encompassed parts of Algeria and Tunisia, it could be assumed that he is from either one of these countries (speaking from a present day perspective that is).
  • In Greek mythology, Oenomaus was the name of the king of the city of Pisa in the western Peloponnese, and the son of Ares and the water Nymph Harpina. His legendary chariot race with Pelops, who sought the hand of his daughter Hippodameia, was believed to be one of the inspirations for the Olympic Games in Greece.

Quotes

"You will do as commanded, absent complaint, or see flesh stripped from bone."Oenomaus asserting his position as Doctore to Gneaus, in front of the men


"A gladiator does not fear death. He embraces it, caresses it, fucks it."[4]
Oenomaus to Recruits

"Your will, my hands."[4][5]
Oenomaus to Batiatus

"Forget everything you learned outside these walls, for that is the world of men. We are more. We are gladiators! Study, train, bleed, and one day your name will be legend, spoken in hushed whispers of fear and awe, as the city speaks of Crixus, Champion of Capua!  Yet his legend was not birthed in the Arena, it was givin life here, in this ludus!  UNDER THE STING OF MY WHIP!  ATTACK!!"[4]
Oenomaus to Recruits

"An attack must be grounded in proper footing!  He attempts to press, before regaining balance! ...Allow advantage to your back -- and you are dead...  become entanged with a more powerful opponent -- and you are dead... HURL YOUR SWORD IN THE ARENA -- AND YOU ARE DEAD, AGAIN!"  Oenomaus' instruction to the recruits based on Spartacus' inexperience

"Your foolishness has cost a life.  But yours may yet be redeemed -- two fingers, a sign of surrender, a plea of mercy to the Editor of the Games.  Beg for your life, little rabbit."[4]
Oenomaus to Spartacus

"Never lose focus! Not if Jupiter himself were to rip open the heavens, and dangle his cock from the skies! A gladiator's first distraction is his last!"[4]
Oenomaus to Recruits

"Love?  You fall to ruin for love?... She is a woman.  A delicate creature at the best of times.  They are moved by desires unknown by the men who place trust in them."  ― Oenomaus' jaded words to Crixus, influenced by his wife's infidelity

"You cannot mend illusion.  Our Brotherhood, the trust I placed in you -- a thing of lies and deceit...Your death will not see her to my arms.  It would only serve as mercy, releasing you from what you have done...You stand for nothing... as you always have."Oenomaus to Gannicus

"A man is never too weak or too wounded to fight, if the cause is greater than his own life."[6]
Oenomaus to Nemetes

"I owe you pain!"[6]
Oenomaus to the Egyptian

"You are a man who stands only for himself, and would betray the gods to gain what he desires."[7]
Oenomaus to Gannicus

"Harudes! You betray intent by bellowing like a crazed goat."[8]
Oenomaus to Harudes

"I go to my wife's arms. We shall greet you in the afterlife, my brother."[6]
Oenomaus to Gannicus; his last words

Gallery

References

  1. Spartacus: Blood and Sand Season 1; Episode 6
  2. Spartacus: Blood and Sand Season 1; Episode 7
  3. Spartacus: Blood and Sand Season 1; Episode 13
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Spartacus: Blood and Sand Season 1; Episode 2
  5. Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Prequel; Episode 3
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Spartacus: Vengeance Season 2; Episode 10
  7. Spartacus: Vengeance Season 2; Episode 6
  8. Spartacus: Vengeance Season 2; Episode 9
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