Albinius (died 73 BC) was a Roman senator and former legatus of the Roman Republic. He rose to prominence through his military campaigns in Greece and later became a leading patrician of Capua. He was the father of Ilithyia Albinia and father-in-law of Gaius Claudius Glaber.
Biography[]
Early Career[]
Albinius first gained distinction commanding Roman forces in Greece. During one campaign, he ordered the execution of an Athenian family and sold the surviving son, Arkadios, into slavery, where he became a gladiator. Years later, Albinius was noted for hosting public games in Capua, marking his ascent as a respected local patron and senator.
Capuan Games and Spartacus[]
Displaying affection for his daughter Ilithyia, Albinius forgave Glaber for his failed campaign in Thrace after her persuasion. Seeking to regain Albinius’ approval, Glaber arranged for Thracian prisoners to fight in the arena—among them the man later known as Spartacus.
Albinius expressed displeasure when Spartacus was forced to face four gladiators instead of one but allowed the contest to proceed. Astonished by the Thracian’s victory, he accepted Quintus Lentulus Batiatus’ offer to purchase the slave, publicly bestowing upon him the name Spartacus to appease the crowd and save Glaber from humiliation.
Political Affairs and the Rebellion[]
Albinius later appeared alongside Praetor Publius Varinius to appoint Glaber as commander against Spartacus’ uprising. He reminded his son-in-law of his obligations to the House of Batiatus and warned that failure would ruin his standing in Rome.
While in Capua, Albinius took part in Varinius’ festivities and became involved in Ilithyia’s plan to divorce Glaber and marry Varinius. Though initially reluctant, he was persuaded by Lucretia to support the arrangement, advising secrecy until the proper time.
Death[]
During the games of Publius Varinius, Albinius attended as honored guest, witnessing the planned executions of Crixus, Oenomaus, and Rhaskos. When Spartacus’ rebels set the arena ablaze, Albinius confronted Glaber amid the chaos, blaming him for repeated dishonor. Trapped beneath falling debris, Albinius pleaded for help, but Glaber instead struck him dead.
Glaber later claimed Albinius perished in the fire. Upon hearing of her father’s death, Ilithyia wept—whether from grief or the loss of her chance at freedom remains uncertain.