The Battle of the Siler River was the final, decisive action of the Roman Servile Wars. Marcus Licinius Crassus trapped Spartacus in Bruttium by building a 40 mile long system of ditches and walls. After a failed truce, Spartacus gathered his army together for battle. He ordered his horse to be brought to him, drew his sword, and slew the animal. He proclaimed to his troops that if he should win the day, he would have many horses to choose from, but if he should lose the upcoming battle and the Romans should win the day, he would not need one. After launching several skirmishing attacks on the Romans' defenses, Spartacus and about 50,000 of his men were able to break through and escape from Crassus' legions.