Mary Beard, a Professor of Classics at Cambridge and an expert on ancient Rome, delves into the intricate world of slavery in the Roman Empire. She explores the harsh realities faced by slaves, including the brutal slave trade during Caesar's conquests and the complex relationships between slaves and their masters. Beard contrasts historical perspectives on freedom and rebellion, shedding light on figures like Spartacus and the often-overlooked complexities of daily life for those enslaved. This discussion challenges notions of Roman exceptionalism and encourages reflection on modern parallels.
Was Rome a slave society? Did Caesar really take a million Gauls captive? And what is the real story of Spartacus? Listen as William and Anita are joined by Mary Beard to discuss slavery in Ancient Rome.