Beginning as early as the 8th century BC, Ancient Rome became on the largest empires in the ancient world, with a population of 50-90 million inhabitants. The role of a slave was very important to the ancient Roman’s society and their economy. Slaves had many important jobs of not only manual labour, but domestic roles as well as professions for the highly skilled. Although slavery was an abusive and degrading institution, much of the basis of Roman society heavily relied on the help of slaves.
Originally, Tiber River was the early establishment in which for Rome to grow in strength and size. Slaves were very imperative to the Romans, which with the provided model adapted from Greek colonies, the Romans built their own culture (McManus. B. …show more content…
Prisoners were taken to the slave-markets where they were paraded naked, with placards around their necks explaining their best and worst qualities. The slaves with talent, skill or beauty commanded the highest prices at these auctions. Slave prices would depend largely on how many were available, prices would fall after successful military campaign, whereas after a long period without war, prices would increase. As the vast majority was captured as a result of Roman wars, whereas there were Roman victories, there would be new slaves. There is no evidence to suggest that the Romans placed any preference for slavery, or exceptions, based on race, country, or origin. Roman slaves were treated in a wide variety of manners, depending on the circumstances and household at the time. Not only did slavery help push the Roman lower classes in organised mobs, but the slaves themselves understandably revolted against oppression. By the end of the civil wars and general social disorder, slaves were abundantly present in Rome. The slave population was at least equal to that of freedmen (non-citizens), and has been estimated at anywhere from 25 to 40 percent of the population of the city as a whole. “One such estimate suggests that the slave population in Rome circa 1 AD, may have been as much as 300,000 to 350,000 of the 900,000 total inhabitants. In outlying provinces, the numbers are certainly far less substantial, dropping to between an estimated 2 and 10% of the total” (Heaton. C,
Originally, Tiber River was the early establishment in which for Rome to grow in strength and size. Slaves were very imperative to the Romans, which with the provided model adapted from Greek colonies, the Romans built their own culture (McManus. B. …show more content…
Prisoners were taken to the slave-markets where they were paraded naked, with placards around their necks explaining their best and worst qualities. The slaves with talent, skill or beauty commanded the highest prices at these auctions. Slave prices would depend largely on how many were available, prices would fall after successful military campaign, whereas after a long period without war, prices would increase. As the vast majority was captured as a result of Roman wars, whereas there were Roman victories, there would be new slaves. There is no evidence to suggest that the Romans placed any preference for slavery, or exceptions, based on race, country, or origin. Roman slaves were treated in a wide variety of manners, depending on the circumstances and household at the time. Not only did slavery help push the Roman lower classes in organised mobs, but the slaves themselves understandably revolted against oppression. By the end of the civil wars and general social disorder, slaves were abundantly present in Rome. The slave population was at least equal to that of freedmen (non-citizens), and has been estimated at anywhere from 25 to 40 percent of the population of the city as a whole. “One such estimate suggests that the slave population in Rome circa 1 AD, may have been as much as 300,000 to 350,000 of the 900,000 total inhabitants. In outlying provinces, the numbers are certainly far less substantial, dropping to between an estimated 2 and 10% of the total” (Heaton. C,