Tilton, Lois. "The Gladiator's War: A Dialogue"
Divergence: 72 BCE
What if: Crixus' wing of Spartacus's slave army was not defeated at Garganus, and instead the army re-united and wen on to defeat Crassus.
Summary: Thirty years, later Crixus recounts his view of Spartacus' war to a Roman historian, from their first victory at Vesuvius, to the sack of Rome and the final betrayal of the army, apparently rendering the entire war meaningless.
Published: Asimov's Science Fiction June 2004.
Awards: Nominee: 2004 Nebula for best novelette. Finalist: 2004 Sidewise Award for best short-form alternate history.