Lurcio learns that his master, Ludicrus is promoting a bill in the Senate which will make it possible for a slaves to buy his freedom. Lurcio is very happy about the idea, until he finds that freedom will cost 500 Drachmas. He doesn't have any money, so how can he raise some?

Ammonia is planning an orgy. She gives Lurcio the job of keeping Ludicrus out of the way. Ludicrus sends Lurcio off to buy a sleeping draught. At the apothecary's shop, Lurcio meets up with Nausius, who's buying a love potion. The sleeping potion and the love potion get mixed up, with predictable consequences.

Lurcio is now a free man, running a wine bar in Pompeii. He's blackmailed by Villainous Brutus, who wants him to drug a gladiator's wine in order to influence the result of his next fight. Things don't go according to plan and Lurcio finds himself in the arena.