Slavery in Ancient Rome

Since I was going to be Rome in a few weeks, I thought I would research slavery in ancient Rome. Slavery was common throughout ancient history but the Romans owned more slaves than any other people in history. It is estimated that anwhere from 25-35% of the people in ancient Rome were slaves. Slaves were sold in slave markets. Slaves were soldiers captured in war while others were born to slave parents. There was a law that said a father could sell his older children if he needed the money.

Slaves performed many duties: they were farmers, shop managers, and public workers. Slaves in ancient Rome were given many privileges and treated rather well. In fact, the Saturnalia Festival allowed masters and slaves to switch places for a day. This was so that both may be thankful for each other and enjoy a good time.

Some Romans were not as kind to their slaves. They received cruel and inhumane treatment, some were sold into prostitution, and physically abused. Some were gladiators that had to fight animals to the death for entertainment of the Romans. One famous gladiator, Spartacus led a slave revolt that destroyed several Roman armies.

Once bought as a slave you were usually a slave for life. Freeing a slave was called "manumissio" meaning 'sending out from the hand'. Done publically by a public official who would touch the slaves head with a staff and he was free to go. There were only a few ways a slave could be freed : a good deed toward the master, by statement in a master's will upon death, or raising enough money to buy your freedom for the same amount your master paid for you; this was virtually impossible as slaves were not allowed to own money. Emperor Augustus passed a law proclaiming that no Roman slave could be freed before the age of 30.

www.historylearningsite.co.uk/roman_slaves.htm

http://en.wikipedia.or/wiki/slavery_in_ancient_rome