“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” (2011) plunges into the gritty and opulent world of ancient Rome’s gladiatorial games, exploring the origins of the House of Batiatus. The prequel is set years before Spartacus arrives at the arena and focuses on the ruthless owner, Batiatus, and his ambitious wife, Lucretia.

“Gods of the Arena” follows the story of Gannicus (played by Dustin Clare), the first gladiator to become Champion of Capua, before the arrival of Spartacus. The narrative focuses on the rise of the House of Batiatus and its champions before Spartacus’s arrival, providing background on several characters from “Blood and Sand.” The series is known for its complex characters, intricate political plots, and graphic content, including intense violence and sexual scenes, which are hallmarks of the Spartacus series.

Lucy Lawless and John Hannah reprise their roles as Lucretia and Batiatus, the power-hungry couple who own the gladiatorial training school. The miniseries dives deeper into their schemes and machinations as they strive for social prestige and power in the cutthroat world of the Roman Republic.