Between 200 B.C.E. and 200 A.D. slavery had been as much a part of ancient Rome as its philosophers and emperors. Considered personal property of the owners, slaves were used to perform manual labor and the nastier tasks of life that would have tainted the hands of the rich. Slaves also increased the social standing of their owners. The more slaves one owned, the more power and influence they could attain.
Over 25% of the population at that time were slaves. They were not allowed to marry or own any personal property. Although some were treated as fairly as an owned person can expect to be treated, many were considered enemies of their owners and were treated with distaste and vehemence.Rome did not produce
...any active abolitionist movements or freedom fighters. Some slaves retaliated by murdering their owners, stealing from them or trying to escape.
In 73-71 B.C.E., Spartacus led a famous uprising of thousands of slaves and formed an army, which threatened to take over the entire state. This event was portrayed in the famous 1960 movie, Spartacus, starring Kirk Douglas in the lead role.
Although they did not succeed in remaining free or in freeing other slaves, Romans had the fear of uprising now in the back of their minds.
References
- Bradley, K. (2003). Resisting slavery in ancient Rome. Retrieved October 29, 2006, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/slavery_01.shtml
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