Question

The ancient Roman version of slavery differed from slavery in the American South before 1865, particularly in its ideas of identity, race, and authority. How could learned men such as Polybius be enslaved, and how could slaves become free? How did slavery in ancient times affect the economy?

Answer 1

In ancient Rome, slavery played a crucial role in the society and economy.  Slavery was based on birth. Unskilled slaves and those who were inducted as slaves for the crimes they committed were put to work in the fields, farms and mines. The working and living conditions were harsh and inhuman. These slaves perished quickly. Some slaves were employed as domestic workers and some of the skilled slaves held highly skilled jobs and professions. Roman law considered the slaves as their property and did not recognize them legally or give them rights, which were accorded to other citizens. They were subjected to capital punishment, torture, abuse and were executed without giving them an opportunity to a fair trial. The Roman military expansion ensured that there was a steady supply of slaves. The poor people often sold their children to the rich people as slaves.

The slavery in American South before 1865 differed to the slavery in ancient Rome. In ancient Rome, the Romans made some of their own people as slaves, but in America they enslaved people of African and American African origins. The slavery here was based on skin color. They were institutionalized as a racial caste which belonged to the African origin. The slaves were mainly employed in the cotton industry and also worked as domestic workers. They were often treated in an inhuman manner. Whipping, beating, mutilations, branding, and restricted movements were enforced by the masters and overseers. The behavior towards slaves depended upon the masters and conditions of that time. Some masters were sympathetic towards the slaves and treated them fairly and with respect. Many female slaves worked as nannies to the American children and there grew a strong bond between them.

Polybius was a Greek statesman and historian c.200-118 B.C. His father Lycortas, was a staunch advocate of neutrality, during the Roman war against Persus of Macedon. The Romans suspected Lycortas and as a result, Polybius along with 1000 Achaean nobles was sent to Rome as a hostage in 167 B.C. He was forced to stay in Rome for 17 years. Due to his rich cultural background, Polybius was not deemed as a slave, but was accorded a respectable position of a teacher, who tutored the sons of Lucius, the conqueror of the third Roman war. Even though Polybius was enslaved, he was treated with respect and dignity. He also supported the Romans and traced the history of Rome in his literary work.  

In America only a few slaves were freed but in Rome hundreds of slaves were freed on an annual basis. The freed slaves in Rome could then take up respectable positions in the society. In America, the slaves were not allowed to ascend the social ranks due to their race and absence of education.  

Slaves played an important role in the economy boost of ancient Rome. They worked not only in the households, but also on farms and plantations. As the influx of slaves increased in Rome due to the wars, the abundance of free labor helped the economy to flourish. But, eventually it also thwarted the delicate Roman class system. Unemployment grew among the free citizens and the economy started destabilizing. In America, cheap and almost free slave labor contributed to a growth in the economy. The cotton plantations, where the slaves were put to work, contributed to a significant rise in the country's economy and income.