What is batiatus?

Batiatus (called Quintus Lentulus Batiatus in some sources) is a character in the historical drama TV series Spartacus: Blood and Sand and its prequel Spartacus: Gods of the Arena. He is a wealthy and cunning lanista (a person who owns and trains gladiators) in ancient Rome, who owns a gladiator school called the Ludus.

Batiatus is known for his ambitious and ruthless nature, as he is constantly seeking greater wealth and power. He is also depicted as a skilled manipulator and a master of political intrigue. He is willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goals, including betraying and sacrificing his own gladiators.

Throughout the series, Batiatus is portrayed as a complex and multi-layered character, with moments of compassion and humanity, as well as acts of cruelty and violence. He is often in conflict with other powerful figures in Rome, such as the magistrate Marcus Licinius Crassus and the rival lanista Solonius.

Batiatus is played by actor John Hannah in Spartacus: Blood and Sand and by Peter Mensah in Spartacus: Gods of the Arena.