Global warming is damaging the Earth's climate as well as the physical environment. One of the most visible effects of global warming can be seen in the Arctic as glaciers, permafrost and sea ice are melting rapidly.
Filming was begun by Anthony Mann, responsible for the opening sequence, of dealer Batiatus (a wickedly scene-stealing Peter Ustinov) picking Spartacus (Douglas) from the 'Sicilian' mines (actually the parched landscape of Death Valley, California) for his gladiator school.
The mini-series Gods of the Arena focused on House Batiatus before the arrival of Spartacus, and how many of the characters present upon the arrival of Spartacus came to be in the lanista. In June of 2010 Whitfield was declared cancer free, and pre-production began for a full second season of Spartacus.