The mini-series features the bloody history of the House of Batiatus and the city of Capua before the arrival of Spartacus. Before Spartacus struck down his first opponent in the arena, there were many gladiators who passed through the gates onto the sand. Spartacus: Gods of the Arena tells the story of the original Champion of the House of Batiatus: Gannicus in a more ruthless time before Spartacus arrival where honor was just finding its way into the arena.