Slaves and the law Roman Empire

at time of augustus, many 35% of people in italy slaves, making rome 1 of 5 historical slave societies in slaves constituted @ least fifth of population , played major role in economy. slavery complex institution supported traditional roman social structures contributing economic utility. in urban settings, slaves might professionals such teachers, physicians, chefs, , accountants, in addition majority of slaves provided trained or unskilled labour in households or workplaces. agriculture , industry, such milling , mining, relied on exploitation of slaves. outside italy, slaves made on average estimated 10 20% of population, sparse in roman egypt more concentrated in greek areas. expanding roman ownership of arable land , industries have affected preexisting practices of slavery in provinces. although institution of slavery has been regarded waning in 3rd , 4th centuries, remained integral part of roman society until 5th century. slavery ceased gradually in 6th , 7th centuries along decline of urban centres in west , disintegration of complex imperial economy had created demand it.

slave holding writing tablets master (relief 4th-century sarcophagus)

laws pertaining slavery extremely intricate . under roman law, slaves considered property , had no legal personhood. subjected forms of corporal punishment not exercised on citizens, sexual exploitation, torture, , summary execution. slave not matter of law raped, since rape committed against people free; slave s rapist had prosecuted owner property damage under aquilian law. slaves had no right form of legal marriage called conubium, unions recognized, , if both freed marry. following servile wars of republic, legislation under augustus , successors shows driving concern controlling threat of rebellions through limiting size of work groups, , hunting down fugitive slaves.

technically, slave not own property, slave conducted business might given access individual account or fund (peculium) use if own. terms of account varied depending on degree of trust , co-operation between owner , slave: slave aptitude business given considerable leeway generate profit, , might allowed bequeath peculium managed other slaves of household. within household or workplace, hierarchy of slaves might exist, 1 slave in effect acting master of other slaves.

over time slaves gained increased legal protection, including right file complaints against masters. bill of sale might contain clause stipulating slave not employed prostitution, prostitutes in ancient rome slaves. burgeoning trade in eunuch slaves in late 1st century ad prompted legislation prohibited castration of slave against lust or gain.

roman slavery not based on race. slaves drawn on europe , mediterranean, including gaul, hispania, germany, britannia, balkans, greece... slaves in italy indigenous italians, minority of foreigners (including both slaves , freedmen) born outside of italy estimated @ 5% of total in capital @ peak, number largest. outside of europe predominantly of greek descent, while jewish ones never assimilated roman society, remaining identifiable minority. these slaves (especially foreigners) had higher mortality rates , lower birth rates natives, , subjected mass expulsions. average recorded age @ death slaves of city of rome extraordinarily low: seventeen , half years (17.2 males; 17.9 females).

during period of republican expansionism when slavery had become pervasive, war captives main source of slaves. range of ethnicities among slaves extent reflected of armies rome defeated in war, , conquest of greece brought number of highly skilled , educated slaves rome. slaves traded in markets, , sold pirates. infant abandonment , self-enslavement among poor other sources. vernae, contrast, homegrown slaves born female slaves within urban household or on country estate or farm. although had no special legal status, owner mistreated or failed care vernae faced social disapproval, considered part of familia, family household, , in cases might children of free males in family.

talented slaves knack business might accumulate large enough peculium justify freedom, or manumitted services rendered. manumission had become frequent enough in 2 bc law (lex fufia caninia) limited number of slaves owner allowed free in will.