La schiavitù a Roma - Breve storia del fenomeno

Summary

This script delves into the history of slavery in ancient Rome, highlighting its expansion following the conquest wars between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. Slaves were primarily prisoners of war, used in agriculture and mines, and were regarded as 'speaking tools' by the Latin writer Varro. Living conditions were harsh, especially for those in the fields and mines. Some slaves, like the Greek Livius Andronicus, could be freed (liberti) and gain economic independence, while others became wealthy businessmen. Strong slaves were used as gladiators, with Spartacus leading a major slave revolt in 73 BCE. The script also touches on the philosophical views of Seneca, who advocated for humane treatment of slaves. It concludes by noting that while slavery was never abolished in Rome, conditions improved over time, and the concept of tied peasants in the Middle Ages foreshadowed the persistence of servitude into the modern era, with slavery only being abolished in 19th-century Europe and still existing in various forms today.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Slavery in Rome dates back to its earliest times but significantly increased after the wars of conquest between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE.
• 👥 Slaves were primarily prisoners of war, brought from conquered regions and assigned to various tasks, especially in the fields and mines.
• 🗣️ Varro, a Latin writer from the 1st century BCE, referred to slaves as 'speaking tools', highlighting their lack of rights and being treated like cattle or agricultural instruments.
• 🔗 Slaves' living conditions were dreadful, particularly in the countryside where the most dangerous were chained and kept in ergastula, underground prisons.
• 🏡 Domestic slaves, who worked inside the house, were treated better and considered part of the family.
• 📚 Educated slaves, especially those of Greek origin, could become tutors for their masters' children and some could be freed, like Livio Andronico, who translated the 'Odyssey' into Latin.
• 🗳️ Freed slaves, known as 'liberti', did not acquire all the rights of a freeborn citizen, such as voting, but enjoyed economic independence.
• 💰 Some freedmen became wealthy through business, like Trimalchio from Petronius' 'Satyricon', who was depicted as a paradoxical figure showing off his wealth.
• 🛡️ Strong and robust slaves were used as gladiators in popular circus games, especially during the Imperial era, and were trained in specialized schools, like the famous one in Capua where Spartacus came from.
• ⚔️ Spartacus led a slave revolt known as the Third Servile War in 73 BCE, which caused significant destruction in central Italy before being suppressed by Licinius Crassus.
• 📜 There were dissenting voices in Rome, like the philosopher Seneca, who, while not explicitly condemning slavery, considered slaves as human beings and praised humane treatment of them.

Q & A

What was the primary source of slaves in ancient Rome?

The primary source of slaves in ancient Rome were prisoners of war, who were deported from the conquered regions to Italy.

How did Varro, a Latin writer, describe slaves in the first century BC?

Varro described slaves as 'instrumenta loquendi', meaning 'talking tools', indicating that they were considered similar to cattle or agricultural tools without any rights.

What were the living conditions of slaves, particularly in the countryside?

The living conditions of slaves were terrible, especially in the countryside where the most dangerous were chained and kept in ergastoli, which were like underground prisons.

How were slaves treated if they were caught after escaping?

Escaped slaves, if caught, would suffer severe punishments, and in many cases, death.

What was the status of domestic slaves compared to others?

Domestic slaves, who worked inside the house, were treated better and were considered members of the family.

What opportunities did educated slaves have in ancient Rome?

Educated slaves, especially those of Greek origin, could become tutors for the children of their masters, and some of them could be freed, as in the case of Livius Andronicus.

What was the term for a freed slave in ancient Rome?

A freed slave was called a 'liberto' in ancient Rome.

What were the economic freedoms and opportunities for liberti?

Liberti, although not acquiring all the rights of a born citizen, such as voting, enjoyed economic independence and could engage in business, with some becoming very wealthy.

What role did strong and robust slaves play in the Roman Empire?

Strong and robust slaves were employed as gladiators in the very popular circus games, especially during the imperial era.

What is the Third Servile War, and who led it?

The Third Servile War, led by Spartacus, was a major slave revolt that took place in 73 BC, causing significant destruction across central Italy before being suppressed by Licinius Crassus.

How did the philosopher Lucius Anneus Seneca view slaves?

Lucius Anneus Seneca, although not explicitly condemning slavery, considered slaves as human beings and praised his disciple for treating his slaves humanely, applying the principles of historical philosophy.

How did the condition of slaves gradually improve during the Imperial Age?

During the Imperial Age, the condition of slaves gradually improved, aligning more with that of free peasants, and by the time of Constantine, coloni were bound to the land, and those leaving the estates were considered fugitive slaves.

When was slavery abolished in Europe, and is it still present today?

Slavery was abolished in Europe only in the 19th century. However, forms of slavery still exist today, especially in developing countries where labor is exploited in various ways, and it is also present in some developed countries, such as through agricultural labor exploitation.