Slaves 2 Flashcards
Deracination: removed from your roots
Law does not recognize family ties of a slave. Owner gives a
new name
Conditions of slavery
Slaves are part of the familia (the people and possessions under the authority of the paterfamilias). No limitations on master’s power. Sexually available. So, presence of slaves impacts family life too
Resistance
Slow work, Theft, Breakage. Conditions are ripe for slave revolts in late republic. High concentrations of male slaves. Recently enslaved. Speak same language. Spartacus revolt (73-71 BCE)
Less harsh aspects sometimes
peculium
* Allowance (sometimes)
contubernium
* A marriage-like union with another slave, Not recognized in law
Slaves and the law
Slaves as property. Harsh punishments, Flogging, crucifixion. Slaves must be tortured to give evidence in a law court
Hadrian (early 2 nd c. CE)
Only a court can order execution for a slave. Restricts sales for prostitution or gladiatorial school. Limitations on punishment for murdered master
Late 4 th c. CE (Theodosius)
Slave families must remain together. Note that Christian writers don’t take a stand
against slavery. Though slaves can become Christian
Manumission: freeing a
slave
Magistrate as witness
* Manumission tax (5%)
* Slave becomes a citizen
* Client of former master
* operae (work)
* obsequium (deference)
Why free slaves
- Build a reputation for generosity
- Reward for service and obedience
- Inspire other slaves to work hard
- To marry or adopt the slave
Augustan laws on manumission
Lex Fufia Caninia (2 BCE)
* Restrictions on freeing slaves in will
Lex Aelia Sentia (AD 4)
* Min. age 30 for freed slave
* Master must be 20
Lex Junia (early 1 st c CE)
* Penalties for slaves not freed properly
Slaves work in all aspects of Roman economy
Economy relies on slave labour. Frees up citizens for the army. In many jobs, slave and free poor work together
