SLAVERY IN THE ROMAN WORLD

In the ancient world, having slaves was viewed as both a necessary and normal part of life

Unlike American slavery, Roman slavery was not based on racial prejudice.

In Roman times, one became a slave as result of being taken prisoner in war being captured by pirates being born into slavery

If a Roman citizen could not pay off his debt, he could sell himself into slavery, provided that he did not sell himself in the city where he lived once he paid off his debt, he had to be freed

Slaves made up 30-40% of the Italian population. Caecilius would have around a dozen slaves, while very wealthy citizens could have hundreds, even thousands.

Though slaves were considered property and had very few rights, they were usually considered part of the familia.

Slaves worked in all areas of both public and private life.

Because of this, slaves were free to move around the city without restriction.

Foreign visitors were shocked to see little visible difference in the dress and treatment between slaves and a free citizen.

Because slaves were bought and sold, they were viewed as property.

Most slaves, however, were not mistreated, because they were seen as investments who might be sold later.

FINIS