Рет қаралды 7,262
The Roman Empire had a society filled with slaves. The number of free men and slaves was almost equal, making slavery a defining element of Roman life. The experience of a Roman slave varied greatly depending on the tasks assigned to them and the whims of their masters. Slaves could serve as gladiators, mine workers, soil tillers, managers, potters, and more. Typically, they slept on a heap of straw with a blanket on top, often in the kitchen, hallway, or attic. Attractive female slaves were frequently forced to submit to the intimate desires of their masters. Sometimes, mistresses would make life particularly harsh for female slaves out of suspicion or jealousy. Juvenal, the satirical poet, recounts the story of a female slave named Pescas, who was regularly beaten by her mistress simply because the latter believed she was servicing her husband’s intimate needs. Legal rights were non-existent for Roman slaves. They did not have the legal right to marry, though they could form family-like units. However, these were at the discretion of the master, who could separate couples or sell individuals at will. Children born to slave families were considered the master’s property and could be sold or separated from their parents.