Crixus fought in the style of Murmillo, which was fashioned after Gaul warriors. Spartacus fought (initially) in the style of Thraex which was fashioned after Thracian warriors. A common theme of Gladiatorial games, was to pit these two styles against each other.
When Spartacus scoffs that he could best Barca, Varro gives him Barca's back story. According to Varro, Barca was a survivor from the fall of Carthage and was sold into slavery after being forced to fight his own people in the arena. Carthage was sacked and destroyed in 146 BC. The story of Sparctacus, begins in 75 BC; 71 years after the fall of Carthage.
Here, the audience first learns of the affair between Crixus (Manu Bennett) and Lucretia (Lucy Lawless). Lawless and Bennett previously portrayed lovers on the television show "Xena: Warrior Princess."
The gladiatorial training gear debuts in this episode and is seen on most gladiators in the training square throughout the rest of the season.
During the reception for the Vulcanalia, Doctore and Batiatus decide that Rabanus would take Gnaeus' place against Crixus in the primus. Rabanus was another Retiarius fighter who could be seen standing to Spartacus' right side during this same scene.