WI Crassus had followed a different route into the Parthian Empire, like through Armenia? Could the Romans ever conquer Parthia and hold it? If so, what would be the consequences?
Spartacus wasn't a Roman general.
Spartacus was a brilliant general (maybe not the best tactician). He defeated Roman legions time after time after time
maybe bribe/coopt Spartacus..."look, you take your men against Persia and-or Armenia...whatever land you conquer, you can settle your men on."
(that was the standard retirement package back then, right?)
That was the standard package, but I can't see this happening. The slave rebellion scared the shit out of the Romans, I don't think anyone would consider making deals with them.
maybe bribe/coopt Spartacus..."look, you take your men against Persia and-or Armenia...whatever land you conquer, you can settle your men on."
(that was the standard retirement package back then, right?)
With respect, that idea is terrible. The Romans were too "up themselves" to even contemplate anything but unconditional surrender for the slaves. Besides, what message would that send to the slaves? Your oppressed, but you can run away to a mythical state in Asia conquered by your fellow slaves. Without slaves, Rome would have reached economic meltdown due to the fact that all of the major industries relied on at least some slaves