Slavery

[Caius Fabius]

Don't forget that Greeks and others sold themselves and their children into Roman slavery to improve their lives. Slaves could own property, and with the concept of Pater Familius, the Roman family members are almost like slaves in some legal instances. I don't have access to my library, but there is a book with title like sons, slaves and ??? or something, that discusses in brief the status of men, women, freedmen and slaves in Roman society. The sones and daughters and wives did not own property in some Roman eras, only the head of household, and you could not buy or sell or get married without your father's permission. Joining the military was one way to escape a demanding father.<br>
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A good slave is an expensive investment! <p>"Just before class started, I looked in the big book where all the world's history is written, and it said...." Neil J. Hackett, PhD ancient history, professor OSU, 1987</p><i></i>