SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND, which is set to premiere Jan. 22, has been picked up for a second season by Starz, COMINGSOON.NET reports.

Executive producers Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight (who is also the head writer on the show), will start production in New Zealand on 13 new episodes in early 2010.

"We couldn't be happier with the first season. 'Spartacus' delivers on all levels - action, characters, intrigue, romance and excitement," said Starz Entertainment EVP, Programming, Stephan Shelanski. "'Spartacus' is the most ambitious original project we've ever undertaken, and speaks to the commitment to our subscribers to provide truly original programming along with our unmatched lineup of theatrical features."