Plot

Batiatus conjures up a devious plan and enlists Lucretia, Gaia and a clutch of gladiator recruits to see it through. Oenomaus longs to reclaim the top gladiator rank, but new challenges cross his path.

A week has passed since he received his severe beating at the hands of Tullius' men and Batiatus has now recovered sufficiently to leave his bed. Tullius sends him a message to the effect that he acted hastily and offers a compromise. Batiatus is in no mood to compromise however and plans his own revenge. Quintillius Varis comes to Capua to select gladiators for his games and Gaia, who knows him, plots to have him come to Batiatus' house. Batiatus will seemingly go to any length to impress Varis but his blind enthusiasm does not sit well with the men. Doctore and Oenomaus settle their differences in the arena.—garykmcd

With his body and ego bruised, Batiatus is back on his feet, eager to take matters into his own hands and gain influential Senator Quintilius Varus' favour. As hand-picked would-be gladiators are about to do Dominus' dirty work for him, sensual Gaia concocts an ambitious plan to elevate the House of Batiatus, using the esteemed guest's inclination for sin to her advantage. At the same time, Crixus thirsts to prove his worth, and Oenomaus longs for the arena's wild delights, unaware that change is closer than he thinks. However, with Gaia's plan in full swing, Melitta finds herself caught in the middle of a chess game filled with tears and shame. Now, Gannicus becomes a pivotal player in Batiatus' bold scheme to secure the longed-for Primus in Varus' upcoming games.—Nick Riganas

A week has passed since he received his severe beating at the hands of Tullius' men and Batiatus has now recovered sufficiently to leave his bed. Tullius sends him a message to the effect that he acted hastily and offers a compromise. Batiatus is in no mood to compromise however and plans his own revenge. Quintillius Varis comes to Capua to select gladiators for his games and Gaia, who knows him, plots to have him come to Batiatus' house. Batiatus will seemingly go to any length to impress Varis but his blind enthusiasm does not sit well with the men. Doctore and Oenomaus settle their differences in the arena.