Roman society was male-dominated, with the eldest male, the pater familias, ruling the family and women considered property. Rome grew extremely wealthy through trade along its extensive road network and by enslaving populations from conquered territories. Enslaved men were often forced to fight as gladiators in brutal public combat matches sponsored by wealthy politicians to influence elections. The largest of these venues was the Coliseum, built by Emperor Vespasian, which could hold over 80,000 spectators. In 73 BC, the Thracian gladiator Spartacus led a slave revolt that grew to over 120,000 people but was eventually crushed, with 5,000 followers crucified along the Appian Way.