Barca

Humain: Gladiateur en l'an -100 avant J.C.

He is one of the top Gladiator’s in Batiatus' Ludus, becoming famously known as the Beast of Carthage after defeating his father Mago in the arena. He is the lover of Auctus, and later Pietros. Appearance Barca has a light-brown skin tone and is the tallest gladiator in the Ludus. He has long, shoulder-length black hair, which he wears behind him in dreadlocks or braids and allows it to fall on his shoulders. While training or fighting, he usually wears either a utility vest/harness or a manica and galerus; the latter two cover the right side of his chest and come down diagonally from the left shoulder. This is in addition to his subligaria, ocrea (metal or leather greaves), a cingulum (wide protective belt worn by gladiators), and balteus (belt worn to hold up subligaria). When functioning as a bodyguard and assassin for Batiatus, he usually just wears a subligaria, balteus, footwear, and sometimes a utility harness or vest. Barca fights in the style of hoplomachus, and is equipped in the arena accordingly with a spear, round shield and short sword. He wears a metal helmet with an extravagant plume when fighting in the arena. Pietros, his lover, is now dead too. Personality Barca is shown to be one of the better-rounded character in the series. Although he enjoys bullying those he sees as his inferiors, he reveals a gentler side when with those he loves dearly, such as Auctus and their birds, and later Pietros. Being at the ludus longer than most of the men, he has formed many friendships, and respects his brothers who he believes have earned the title of gladiator. He even becomes close friends with Crixus, despite the fact that it was he who killed Auctus in the arena. This, and his befriending of Spartacus, show that he is capable of changing his negative views of people, and adjusting his treatment of them accordingly. He is also gay. His battle prowess is recognized and respected by both his domini, Titus and Quintus Lentulus Batiatus.

After the death of the latter's bodyguard, Barca is recruited to protect Quintus when he leaves the ludus, as well as carry out secret and/or unpleasant tasks. This implies that Quintus holds much trust in Barca's abilities, as well as his loyalty. Combat Prowess Barca has earned the epithet, "The Beast of Carthage", for his exceptional performance while executing fellow prisoners of war in the arena, including his father. It is said that Barca's father, Mago, was a legendary warrior. Since Barca was able to kill him, he proved himself an expert fighter. In both Blood and Sand and Gods of the Arena, Barca is said to be among the best of Batiatus's gladiators, alongside Gannicus, Auctus, and later Crixus and Spartacus. While skilled with a sword, dagger, and in hand-to-hand combat, his preferred weapon is the spear and shield combination.

History The Beast of Carthage Barca originally came from a fierce warrior village a region near Carthage, where he enjoyed playing with birds alongside his best friend Cyprian. However, Barca's father Mago, the Chieftain of the village, saw this as pathetic and told his wife Elissa that their son was becoming weak by playing, not a strong warrior like he should grow up to be. One day, Roman soldiers invaded the village and Elissa told Barca and Cyprian to hide in the closet while she confronted a soldier that broke into their home. Barca was forced to watch as his mother was being beheaded by the soldier, causing him to fall into a depression where he would stay by his late mother's side for many days until his father and the men of his village returned. Mago, returning to his house, found his son crying over his wife's corpse. Sad and angered, Mago blamed his son's cowardice for his wife's death and disowned him. Barca, now out of a home and family decided there was only one thing he could do which was train for many years the young boy trained until he became a formidable warrior during this time Barca and his group of assembled men had fought and defeated several many Roman legions. At some point during this time Barca and Cyprian had become lovers and had march their men towards Rome before they crossed a steep river Barca had his men fill the water with the bodies of a group of Gaul’s they had defeated "The Gaul’s proved themselves useful" quoted Barca on this victory. One night while he and his men were gathered around fire a legion of Romans attack though they fought well the Phoenicians were simply no match for the romans who either killed or captured them. In the fray, Cyprian was killed while trying to protect Barca who called out to him before the dying Cyprian told Barca "Remember me." This sight angered Barca who attacked the soldiers with full might, despite his best efforts he was defeated and captured along with his surviving men.

The Phoenicians were taken to Capua where they were forced to fight each other, Barca was able to defend himself and take down many of his own people and was one of the two remaining warriors on the sands as he turned to face his opponent and came across a shocking sight his father Mago was also in the arena. Father and Son were shocked to see each other and knowing there was no way out the two began to fight each other as they did one of the watching nobles saying “I would purchase the winner". On the sands, Mago and Barca battled and both possessed an advantage for Mago it was strength and years for Barca it was strength and youth, they fought for half a day but eventually Barca gained the upper hand over Mago and was able to bring him to his knees. As he was on his knees, Mago looked up at Barca and in an admiring tone stated" Barca, you are my son!" Barca told him “And I live veral father" he then stabbed Mago through the throat after some hesitation. From that moment on Barca became the "Beast of Carthage" and was then purchased by Titus Lentulus Batiatus.