Eunus

AncientRevolutionaryRoman Republic-150 — -132

Syrian slave who led First Servile War in Sicily.

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Quick Facts

Born

150 BCE

Died

132 BCE

Country

Roman Republic

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Revolutionary

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)51

Legacy (20%)42

Leadership (15%)52

Strategy (15%)55

Total Score46.6

Eunus — Complete Timeline

135 BC

Capture of Enna and start of the First Servile WarPolitical Action

Eunus, a Syrian slave claiming prophetic powers, led a revolt of about 400 slaves in Enna, Sicily. They captured the city, killed the Roman governor, and proclaimed Eunus as King Antiochus. This began the First Servile War.

Slave RevoltSicilyFirst Servile War

Impact: regional

134 BC

Defeat of Roman praetor Lucius HypsaeusWar◆ Major

Eunus's rebel army, numbering up to 200,000, defeated the Roman praetor Lucius Hypsaeus near Enna. The victory allowed the rebels to control much of central and eastern Sicily for several years.

BattleSlave RevoltRoman Defeat

Impact: regional

132 BC

Defeat and capture by Marcus PerpernaWar◆ Major

The Roman consul Marcus Perperna besieged and captured the rebel stronghold of Enna. Eunus was captured alive but died in prison shortly after, possibly from disease. The First Servile War ended with the crucifixion of thousands of slaves.

BattleSlave RevoltCaptureRoman Victory

Impact: regionaltragic