Slavery in the Roman Republic
Harshly treated, often to the point of death, the slaves of the Roman Republic led a less than envious life. The slaves were such a repressed and overwrought people, that their only relief came from rebellion or death. The character of slavery under the early Romans was especially brutal in Sicily. Greek historian Diodorus Siculus details the treatment and impact of slavery on the moral character of both slaves and masters. As the Roman Republic expanded, so did the number of slaves. The slaves were most likely prisoners of war from the countries conquered by Rome. Other sources for slavery included criminals, debtors, and those captured by pirates to be sold at the slave market. Slavery was usually an inherited hardship similar to American slavery. Yet, unlike America's history with slavery, Roman slavery was not the result of racial injustice. A variety of nationalities representing the conquered by Rome made up the slave class. Different attributes of slaves were actually sought at the slave market; "...black Africans and blond Germans were particular favorites." Other factors determining the value of a slave included their demeanor, age, and sex. The slaves of the Roman Republic performe
Though later, as the Roman Republic fell and the Roman Empire emerged, slaves were occasionally used in gruesome gladiatorial combat. Damophilus and Megallis were captured and tortured. Two thousand years ago Roman slavery was a brutal institution that led to disastrous rebellions killing many innocents. In Sicily, the slave owners subjected the slaves to inhumane treatment on a broad scale. Some slaves being punished went without food or clothing. And worse punishments were the frequent, severe beatings. Today still in third-world countries oppression continues for numerous people. The slaves had changed from the oppressed people to the oppressors themselves. Maybe the world needs two thousand more years to wake up and end oppression, but I think with the rate it's been going since the Romans, it will take much longer than that. Over two thousand years ago this Roman treatment of slaves occurred.
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