Last updated 23 March 2024


The Slave Traders

Series Episode Number: 54

World Premiere: Sat 16 Jan 1965 - 5:40pm GMT [BBC One] (United Kingdom)
First Broadcast: Sun 10 Aug 1986 - 11:00pm CDT [WTTW 11 Chicago]
Running Time: 24 minutes 14 seconds

13.00 Million (UK)

Appreciation Index: 53 (UK)

Chart Position: 7 () (UK)

Recorded on Fri 18 Dec 1964 in Riverside 1
Archive State: 16mm t/r



After relaxing at a Roman villa the Doctor is mistaken for a murdered lyre player and targeted by an assassin. Meanwhile, Ian and Barbara are captured by slave traders.


Characters hide uncredited
Dr. WhoWilliam Hartnell
Ian ChestertonWilliam Russell
Barbara WrightJacqueline Hill
VickiMaureen O'Brien
SevcheriaDerek Sydney
DidiusNick Evans
CenturianDennis Edwards
Stall holderMargot Thomas
Slave buyerEdward Kelsey
Maximus PettulianBart Allison
AscarisBarry Jackson
Woman in marketRosemary Devitt (uncredited)
Woman in marketRilla Madden (uncredited)
Woman in marketGladys Badon (uncredited)
Woman in marketBarbara Mansfield (uncredited)
Woman in marketPat Ambrose (uncredited)
Woman in marketUrsula Granville (uncredited)
Man in MarketJohn Fry (uncredited)
Man in MarketJohn de Marco (uncredited)
Man in MarketFrank Wheatley (uncredited)
Man in MarketHarry Davies (uncredited)
Man in MarketGroege Dale (uncredited)
Man in MarketDavid Drewster (uncredited)
Man in MarketRonald Adam (uncredited)
Man in MarketJack Collins (uncredited)
Man in MarketJohn Sagar (uncredited)
Man in MarketNigel Clayton (uncredited)
Child in marketDawn Pyke (uncredited)
Child in marketGillian Smith (uncredited)
Child in marketJohnny Wainwright (uncredited)
Child in marketJohn Langley (uncredited)