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Spartacus' House: Ashur Rewrites History
7 Feb
Summary
- Ashur escapes underworld to rule Rome in alternate timeline.
- Ashur murders Julius Caesar, subverting the Ides of March.
- Female gladiators introduced decades earlier than history.
The "Spartacus" universe expands with "Spartacus: House of Ashur," a new series available on Starz. Showrunner Steven S. DeKnight conceived a "What If" scenario where Ashur, a character from the original series, survives his demise and rises to power.
In this alternate timeline, Ashur awakes in the underworld and is granted a second chance at life. He navigates the Roman Empire's politics, contending with Julius Caesar and his influential wife Cornelia. Ashur aims to elevate his House's standing through arena combat, notably introducing the ferocious gladiatrix, Achillia.
The season finale on February 6, 2026, features Ashur's shocking murder of Caesar, a significant historical revision. This act, following Achillia's arena victory, undermines Caesar's agreement with Ashur, leading to a fatal confrontation that subverts the Ides of March.
DeKnight intentionally "uncoupled" the series from strict historical accuracy to explore Ashur's character and allow for unpredictable storytelling. This departure includes introducing female gladiators approximately 70 years earlier than their historical emergence.
Season 2 of "Spartacus: House of Ashur" has already been written, contingent on audience reception. DeKnight expressed gratitude to Starz and Lionsgate for supporting the show's visceral, uncompromised spirit, akin to the original "Spartacus."
