Slave re-enactors?

[tlclark]

Was looking at the images posted by Woadwarrior from the Ermine Guard. Great stuff with fabulous impressions of civilians. But there
is one thing missing in most re-enactors that I think does need to be addressed. Any person of any standing had at least a couple slaves.

They were the unseen army of Roman society, we hardly ever see them in roles of prominence in the art or the literature, but they were obviously there, in the millions. It's not surprising that many re-enactors don't want to play them, but they were an important part of the society and culture.

Does anybody do a slave impression? I can understand it's not something most aspire to, but it would help flesh out things a bit.

If so, how does your group deal with the political correct issues? I suppose we re-enact all kinds of things people would find distasteful but history is history and it is full of distasteful things.

I can imagine how this might get played in the US.

Thoughts?

Travis

[Caius Fabius]

I work as a slave sometimes, especially if we are having a feast, or cooking is required. I have a simple old off white wool tunic that is a bit grubby, has a few mended places.

There is discussion on whether or not a slave was wearing a specific itme that marked him or her as a slave to all who could see him or her.

[Robert Vermaat]

Corbvlo and Legio II Augusta often show a slave element.
http://www.fectio.org.uk/shows/2005archeon2.6.jpg

[tlclark]

Corbvlo and Legio II Augusta often show a slave element.
http://www.fectio.org.uk/shows/2005archeon2.6.jpg

Whoa. What's that scene about?

Caius Fabius:

Do you have any pictures?

Presumably a slave would wear the same simple tunic that most workmen wear and perhaps sandals since boots have a certain status associated with them.

I've seen things like plaques of wood or terracotta hanging on necks but I think that's hollywood?

I also wondering for a very practical reason. I want to come in impression for Roman days but I'm just not going to get done in time. Life intervenes, but I could come as a slave, that is if someone will have me.

Travis

[Mithras]

My son (age 10 nearly 11) is joining me for the first time this weekend at LIncoln Castle. I will be introducing him to the public as Quintus, my slave - bought for ... how much are young slaves going for in the Price EDict of AD 301??

Captured by my century during a raid into the Pennines to locate a rebel supply store. Part of the booty I received 8) 8)

[Robert Vermaat]

Corbvlo and Legio II Augusta often show a slave element.
http://www.fectio.org.uk/shows/2005archeon2.6.jpg

Whoa. What's that scene about?

Oh, just a slave master holding down his property. The other men are slaves doing their duties in the arena. the man at the right is a beggar who has been made fun of.

Actually he's so good an actor, the Dutch children (this is at Archeon, The Netherlands) also began pestering him... hock:

[Arthes]

Greetings,
portraying a slave or servant would also be a good option for reenactors without much cash, who can sometimes feel awkward and pressurised, let alone embarassed when they can't afford to 'keep up with the Jones's'.
regards
Arthes

[Caius Fabius]

I read somewhere that most slaves did not have any specific marking or item of identification, because the Romans didn't want slaves to know how many were in the society. I don't remember the source, it may be suspect.

I never got pictures of me in slave costume, I am usually the one behind the camera, unless I am busy doing something else.

Remember, selling yourself into Roman slavery was not uncommon, especially if you were a skilled person. It gave you shelter, and food. Nothing politically incorrect about it.

[tlclark]

Ok, that settles it.

I'm selling myself to the highest bidder.

Who needs a slave?

Here's my stats:

short
fat
coward
hands as soft as a baby's

Definitely looking for a "house" slave position.

Travis

[Robert Vermaat]

Ok, that settles it.
I'm selling myself to the highest bidder.
Who needs a slave?
Here's my stats:
short
fat
coward
hands as soft as a baby's
Definitely looking for a "house" slave position.

OK, you're mine. twisted:

[Carlton Bach]

Actually, given the minimal state of my kit right now, I will be attending my very first Roman event as a kitchen slave. One of these days I hope to upgrade to the legion medical services, but right now, that's just not on.

Any other group out there that could use a servus culinarius for an outdoor event this year? Can travel within Germany, am reasonably good at open-fire cookery, next to no decent gear and permanently cash-strapped.

[tlclark]

I'm actually not a bad cook, and I do a lot with lentils and beans, both common Roman ingredients.

Thanks for the suggestion Carlton!

Just call me Apicus!

Travis

[marsvigilia]

I think this is something we have to be very careful about in the US. I realize it is historically correct, but it touches an open wound with a cattle prod. I am not saying that it necessarily shouldn't be done. But we need to think carefully.

The only distinguishing feature I remember about slaves was they wore their tunics short, just like legionaries in fact. Also apparently the Romans had plastic surgeons who would help remove whip scars from the backs of freedmen. So whip scars might be "appropriate." You see what I mean, it might need some serious thinking first.

Oh, I think in "I Claudius" or "Claudius the God" it mentions a brand on the thigh, but I wouldn't stake money on that being accurate.

[Robert Vermaat]

I think this is something we have to be very careful about in the US. I realize it is historically correct, but it touches an open wound with a cattle prod. I am not saying that it necessarily shouldn't be done. But we need to think carefully.

I know what yoy mean - swastica decorations are a similar thing here - touchy!
But don't avoid it for that reason alone. It can be good to discuss it. Closing your eyes on a subject that's touchy for altogether different reasons (Roman slavery and Black American slavery are (in my opinion) two very different subjects) can't be good. But it can be an opening for discussion.

Also apparently the Romans had plastic surgeons who would help remove whip scars from the backs of freedmen.

Where did you get that information???? hock:

[marsvigilia]

Also apparently the Romans had plastic surgeons who would help remove whip scars from the backs of freedmen.

Where did you get that information???? hock:

I think I heard about it on Discovery channel or History channel on that Rome Empire series they did a while back. I can't really vouch for the accuracy, but here are a couple of links.
http://www.thehistorychannel.co.uk/site ... &enc=37854
http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~mharrsch/2 ... chive.html
http://www.beautyclinic.de/online/en/en ... hlsub.html