Roman Slavery and Household Flashcards
How did Aristotle define the household and its hierarchical structure?
Aristotle defined the household as a series of hierarchical dyads: master and slave, husband and wife, and father and children. In this structure, husbands typically held ownership and legal authority over all members, while wives managed the day-to-day activities of the household, including overseeing slaves.
How were slaves legally classified in Roman society, and how did Aristotle describe them?
In Roman society, slaves were legally classified as possessions or things rather than persons. Aristotle described them as “living tools” and “animate property,” reflecting their status as property used for labor and other tasks.
How did Roman conquests contribute to the supply of slaves in Rome?
Roman conquests brought large numbers of captives who were sold as slaves in Rome. The capture of territories and peoples, such as the Judeans after the capture of Jerusalem in 70 CE, contributed significantly to the slave population.
What roles did slaves perform in Roman households and other settings?
Slaves in Roman households performed a variety of tasks including cooking, agricultural labor, and trades. They also had specific roles such as silentiarii, who were tasked with keeping other slaves quiet. In households with early Christian assemblies, slaves also helped with religious duties, such as serving the Lord’s Supper, writing and delivering letters, and attending to Paul during his imprisonment.
Did joining early Christian assemblies have an impact on the status of slaves?
Joining early Christian assemblies could have mixed effects on slaves. On one hand, it might deepen their enslavement by increasing their duties. On the other hand, it could provide them with new social recognition as “brothers” or “sisters” within the Christian community, though this did not alter their status as enslaved individuals.
