Slavery in Rome Essay Example

led to a thriving business ("Ancient Rome"). There was a surge in the number of merchants and lively marketplaces filled with individuals eager to engage in trade. Although slavery was a common practice in all Mediterranean countries during antiquity, the Romans utilized more slaves and depended on them to a greater extent than any other civilization (Madden). This made the Romans the highest per capita users of slaves during this historical period in comparison to other Mediterranean civilizations. The main source of labor came from slaves, who were predominantly acquired from conquered cities and many of which belonged to Greece.

Keaveney (321) reports that slaves made up more than 75% of Rome's workforce. The exact number of slaves in the first century AD is not known, but Westermann, Hopkins, and other experts estimate cautiously. Madden acknowledges Hopkins' estimation of 300,000-350,000 slaves out of a total population of around 900,000-950,000 during Augustus' reign as credible. This implies that about one-third of the city's residents were slaves who played a crucial role in supporting the entire city.

Due to their low cost and absence of regular payment post-purchase, slaves were a valuable asset for various duties such as farming and city-based occupations.

It was necessary to provide housing and food for them, which was easily accomplished. However, they were crammed into a small space that resembled a box and fed unappetizing gruel that was also cheap. This method proved to be more cost-effective than hiring individuals who would require regular salaries, time off, and wage increases.

The option to leave was exclusive to free men whereas slaves were not entitled to vacation time, salaries, nor the ability to resign. In Ancient

Rome, Latifundas, which were expansive agricultural lands resembling plantations, were tended by slaves ("Latifunda"). These properties were owned by affluent patricians who grew an assortment of crops on the fertile terrain (Halsall).

The source of labor for latifunda owners was slaves, who could be worked for long hours at practically no cost. This allowed the latifunda owners to sell their crops at a lower price compared to private farmers, who had smaller landholdings and no access to slaves. Private farmers had to either work their own land or hire free laborers to do the job.

Thus, to turn a profit, latifunda owners had to sell their crops at a slightly higher price. As a result, private farmers, who were numerous, were forced by the wealthy latifunda owners to 'sell out' (Madden). The farmers had no choice but to sell their land to rich landholders or attempt to pay their taxes and go bankrupt (Madden). Majority of the farmers chose to sell their farmland and migrate to the city to look for employment. However, they were unsuccessful as slaves provided the primary source of labor, the same situation as on the latifundas.

This resulted in the displacement of farmers from their jobs, who subsequently had to rely on the government's assistance through the "welfare" program. Despite the program only providing basic necessities and entertainment, it still incurred expenses for the government, ultimately contributing to its reduced strength.

As per Hibbert 315, the decline of Rome could have been avoided if the wealthy had intervened. Gill notes that Tibers and Gaius Gracchus, tribunes from the lower class, proposed two solutions to tackle unemployment. These were government-supported initiatives that aimed at equitably

redistributing agricultural land ("Land Reform") and raising the number of public works projects. Nonetheless, although the plan was straightforward, it did not come into effect due to dismissals by powerful affluent individuals.

The landowners were against dividing their land and wanted to use their funds for personal reasons. They didn't support public works projects because the government was not only controlled by them but also by influential members of the business community.

The owners sought to create a monopoly in their field and prevent the government from being a competitor. Their employment of slaves for construction projects resulted in increased unemployment and only benefited the owners.

The gradual decline of Rome was caused by the conflict between the wealthy landowners and the unemployed. The loss of unity was a significant factor in the downfall of Rome (Gill). This absence of cohesion rendered Rome powerless. Slave rebellions were also prevalent in and around Rome during this period, further elevating the tension (Keaveney 330). The uprising of the lower class who lacked employment was evident.

Several locations experienced riots that led to numerous deaths. Slaves also participated in these uprisings, feeling they deserved freedom and willing to pay any price for it. The Roman government incurred significant financial losses and casualties from both groups as a result, ultimately weakening the government with each uprising.

With the need for armies to quell riots becoming too expensive, the government reached its breaking point and became weaker. Ultimately, slavery contributed significantly to the downfall of one of history's grandest empires.

The downfall of the Roman empire was akin to a plane on its final journey due to the oppression

of slavery. The overwhelming number of slaves caused a major disruption in both agricultural and urban occupations that led to skyrocketing unemployment rates. This, in turn, led to utter dependence on the government's "welfare program," ultimately weakening its governance.

As a result of widespread unemployment, the government had to deal with riots from both unemployed individuals and slaves. The slaves not only demanded equal treatment but also freedom. Consequently, citizens of Rome became less happy and prosperous, ultimately leading them to lose pride in their identity as Romans.

Our nation is often compared to the gradual decline of the Pax Romana. While we were once prosperous and proud, our economy is now declining and government corruption is increasing. Although we still maintain a sense of American pride, there is also a feeling of uncertainty about the future.

Our only option is to wait and have faith that history will not repeat itself again.