Spartacus is a ballet by Aram Khachaturian (1903–1978). The work follows the exploits of Spartacus, the leader of the slave uprising against the Romans known as the Third Servile War, although the ballet's storyline takes considerable liberties with the historical record.

Khachaturian composed Spartacus in 1954, and was awarded a Lenin Prize for the composition that same year. It was first staged, with choreography by Leonid Yakobson, in Leningrad 1956, but only with qualified success since Yakobson abandoned conventional pointe in his choreography. The ballet received its first staging at the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow in 1958, choreographed by Igor Moiseyev; however it was the 1968 production, choreographed by Yury Grigorovich, which achieved the greatest acclaim for the ballet. It remains one of Khachaturian's best known works and is prominent within the repertoires of the Bolshoi Theatre and other ballet companies in Russia and the former Soviet Union.

Libretto was written by playwright Nikolai Volkov, the literary basis for the script was various historical materials and artistic works.

Plot

The Roman consul Crassus returns to Rome in triumph. Among his captives, doomed to slavery, is the Thracian ruler Spartak and his beloved Phrygia. A proud and courageous man, he protests against the inhumanity of the Romans, but the forces are not equal. Spartacus says goodbye to Phrygia, who becomes the slave of Crassus.

In the palace of Crassus there is an orgy. Courtesan Aegina is disturbed by the consul's interest in the young woman, and she involves Crassus in a frantic dance. In the midst of an orgy, Crassus orders the lead gladiators. They must fight to death in helmets with a deaf visor, not seeing the enemy. The victorious Spartak with despair discovers that he killed his comrade. Tragedy awakens anger in him and Spartak decides to fight for freedom. He calls the captured gladiators to revolt. They swear allegiance to him and flee from Rome under his leadership. Shepherds join the gladiators, and the insurgent people proclaim Spartacus their leader.

The search for Phrygia leads Spartacus to Villa Crass. But it’s not a duty to meet lovers - a procession of patricians headed by Aegina is sent to the villa. She has long craved to seduce and conquer Crassus.

Crassus celebrates victory in his villa. But the rebels surround the palace, and Crassus and Aegina are forced to flee. The rebel gladiators take the consul captive, but Spartak does not want to be slaughtered - in a fair fight, he defeats Crassus and drives him away in disgrace. Jubilant rebels praise the victory of Spartacus. Crassus collects legionnaires. And Aegina plotting a cunning plan - to sow discord in the camp of the rebels.

Spartacus is happy with Phrygia. However, the news comes about the new campaign Crassus. Spartak offers to take the fight. But many of his allies are leaving their leader. Spartak feels tragic end, but for the sake of freedom is ready to give his life. Aegina together with the courtesans seduces the gladiators and traps them. Crassus is eager for revenge, he doesn’t have enough victory - he needs the death of Spartacus who has humiliated him. Legionnaires surround the troops of Spartacus. In an unequal battle, his friends and he are dying. Phrygia finds the body of Spartacus. She mourns him, full of faith in the immortality of his feat.