Tuesday Sept. 4 7.1 Slavery and corruption “How did slavery effect the Roman Empire?”

I. Slavery

A. Slaves included: 1. prisoners of war, sailors captured by

pirates, slaves bought outside Rome, abandoned children, and children whose fathers sold them when in need of money.

2. If a slave had children, the children would automatically become slaves.

B. Slavery was not dependent on race or ethnicity.

1. slaves and their families were the property of their owners, who could sell or rent them out at any time. 2. Slaves were often whipped, branded or cruelly mistreated. Their owners could also kill them for any reason, and would face no punishment.

3. Slaves worked everywhere – in private households, in mines and factories, and on farms. They also worked for city governments on engineering projects such as roads, aqueducts and buildings.

C. Life as a slave

d. Manumission – to be freed

1. The idea of possible freedom encouraged slaves to be obedient:

a. Some were freed outright, b. Others bought their own freedom. 2. Formal manumission was performed by a magistrate

and gave freed men Roman citizenship (without the right to hold office). Children born to freedmen had full rights of citizenship, including the right to hold office.

3. Informal manumission gave fewer rights. They not become citizens and any property or wealth they accumulated reverted to their former owners when they died.

II. Bread and Circus A. To keep the people pleased Emperors

starting with Cesar provide food and entertainment to the poor.

“there's only two things than concern them: BREAD and CIRCUSES.”

II. Bread and Circus B. Gladiators – often slaves or prisoners of war.

1. Sent to a ludus gladiatorious to be trained. Their day consisted of lifting weights and learning the art of death.

2. Types of gladiators:a) Samnite – sword, long shield, and helmetb) Retarius - trident, net, and amour for his

throwing armC. Myrmillo – dagger , shield, leg bands, and

leather belt

What kind of gladiators are these?

3. Battle in the Colosseum They fought each other

and exotic animals at the colosseum.

Defeated gladiators could appeal for mercy but it was at the whim of the crowd

Death did not always come at the hands of one’s opponent. Men dressed as Roman gods would kill the loser in a variety of ways to entertain the audience.

Thumbs down meant to spare the gladiator and a thumb up meant to kill him

C. Chariot Races at the Circus Maximus Large outdoor arena

that seated 200,000 people

Held chariot races Chariot teams had fans

who followed and cheered for their teams

Used by emperors to appease the poor with free bread and admission

Emperor Nero raced several times

D. Colosseum Built by Emperor

Vespasian and Titus 70-80 A.D.

Seated 45,000, had two large restroom areas, covered area, numbered seating based on class, and had supporting facilities nearby

Longest games were 123 days long

Colosseum Exotic animals hunts,

gladiatorial combat, executions, brutal plays, battle recreations and possibly naval battles with alligators entertained the crowds

Used to control populace