Purpose

This assignment invites you to explore the complex and often difficult topic of slavery in ancient Rome. Understanding Roman slavery is essential not only for grasping the structure of Roman society but also for thinking critically about the broader history of slavery and its modern implications. Enslaved people were integral to Roman life, yet their voices are largely absent from the historical record. By examining primary sources you will gain a deeper understanding of what it meant to be enslaved in Rome.

Task

First, learn more about slavery in ancient Rome by reading what (some) ancient Romans had to say about it: Enslavement Additional Evidence.pdfDownload Enslavement Additional Evidence.pdf

Write a paragraph in response to each of the following questions:

1.  Put on your historian hat - what can we learn about slavery in ancient Rome from the additional evidence that you read? Don't forget to think about bias as you consider the information that we get from our primary sources.
2. Choose one of the enslaved people that we have encountered in Suburani thus far and write a paragraph in English from their perspective. How do they feel about their lives? What is their lived experience?

Nota Bene

• Your submission will be marked as complete if you make a sincere effort to address the questions in your paragraph.
• The paragraph you submit must be entirely your own work.
• While you may discuss the assignment with a classmate, each of you should write your own paragraph independently.
• The use of AI tools is not allowed in the preparation of this assignment.