One unique aspect of Roman slavery was the possibility of manumission—the legal process by which a master could free a slave. Freedmen ( liberti ) became Roman citizens, though they still owed certain obligations to their former masters. This created a path for social mobility that allowed the descendants of slaves to eventually integrate fully into Roman society. Resistance and Revolts
The majority of slaves in Rome were prisoners of war or individuals captured during territorial expansions. Legally, a slave was considered property ( instrumentum vocale , or "speaking tool") rather than a person. They had no legal rights, could not enter into a valid marriage, and were subject to the absolute authority of their master ( dominium ). Diverse Roles and Responsibilities Slaves of Rome
Understanding the history of "Slaves of Rome" requires looking at these harsh historical realities, which shaped the development of Western legal and social structures for centuries. One unique aspect of Roman slavery was the
: Owned by the state, these individuals maintained public buildings, worked in the civil service, or served as assistants to priests and magistrates. Manumission and Social Mobility Resistance and Revolts The majority of slaves in