CLASSIC 20 Lecture 23: 11.18.15 Slavery in Rome - Prof Gurval
Document Summary
By beginning of 19th century, peaceful/violent end of slavery was spirited issue of debate in europe and na. Was accepted institution of almost every society of ancient mediterranean world. Definition: extreme example of the inequity of positions and classes of society where the powerful and ruling members exercise their control and influence over the weaker. Types of ancient evidence: literary texts, legal documents, burial inscriptions, papyri, archaeology. Talks about the treatment of slaves condemns harsh treatment of slaves; but like all his contemporaries he doesn"t address or question slavery. Papyri oxyrhynchus (a city) in egypt. A handwritten sales contract concerning a female slave. Wax tablet purchase of slave fortunata (meaning lucky) Chronology of evidence from 200 bce to 200 ce. Geography of evidence, mostly roman italy and roman egypt. Origins of slavery no beginning point. Developed and grew in close conjunction with, not in opposition to, establishment of individual liberties (freedoms) in athens and rome.
