History Extra podcast
Roman slavery: a brutal life in the ancient empire
Oct 17, 2024
Join historian Guy de la Bédoyère, author of "Populus: Living and Dying in the Wealth, Smoke and Din of Ancient Rome," as he delves into the complex world of Roman slavery. Discover the staggering number of slaves and their varied fates, from brutal treatment to rare opportunities for freedom. Explore the dark mechanics of the slave trade and the stark realities faced by enslaved individuals. Uncover the intricacies of slave rebellions, like Spartacus' uprising, that challenged societal structures and reshaped perceptions of power in ancient Rome.
30:12
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Quick takeaways
- Slavery in the Roman Empire was a complex system that created both visible roles in society and hidden struggles, reflecting power dynamics.
- Despite harsh conditions, slaves could achieve manumission, allowing for potential social mobility and the hope of future citizenship for their descendants.
Deep dives
The Ubiquity of Slavery in Roman Society
Slavery was an integral and pervasive aspect of Roman society, with slaves operating in every conceivable role within households and businesses. Wealthy households relied heavily on slaves for domestic tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and grooming, effectively making slaves the machinery of daily life. Despite their presence, many slaves were often ignored or rendered invisible in social contexts, seen yet unacknowledged as society performed its routines. This paradox highlights the dual nature of slavery: while some slaves were visibly engaged in public life, many others toiled away quietly behind the scenes, reinforcing the complex dynamics of power and dependency within the Roman Empire.
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