Roam Dependants Flashcards
What is a décuria?
A group of 10 house slaves
This term refers to the organization of slaves in smaller units.
How many slaves could an individual possess according to Athenaeus?
Up to 10 and 20 thousand slaves
Athenaeus was a Greek rhetorician and a notable figure in the study of ancient Roman life.
What was the purpose of selling captives into slavery quickly?
For the safety of the generals
This practice ensured that captured individuals were not a liability during military campaigns.
Who conducted the sales of captives into slavery?
The quaestor
The quaestors were public officials responsible for financial affairs in ancient Rome.
What does the term hasta symbolize in the context of slave sales?
A spear symbolizing a sale under a public official
This item represented the authority of the state in conducting the sale.
What does ‘sub hastà venire’ or ‘sub corona venire’ mean?
To be sold into slavery
These phrases indicate the formal process of being sold as a slave.
What did captives and victims of sacrifice wear on their heads?
Garlands
This was a traditional practice to signify their status during ceremonies.
Who were the mangones?
Wholesale dealers - sellers of slaves
They played a crucial role in the slave trade during Roman times.
What is contubernium?
Slave marriage
This term describes the informal union between slaves.
What are vernae?
Slaves born in the house
These slaves were often considered more loyal or trusted by their masters.
What did imported slaves do to indicate their status?
Chalked their feet white and had a taxed
This was a method to signify their origin and possibly their value.
Under whose supervision were slave auctions held?
The aediles
Aediles were responsible for public buildings and the regulation of markets.
What is the purpose of the titulus?
A scroll around the slave’s neck identifying the slave’s character
It served as a record of the slave’s attributes for potential buyers.
What information did the titulus include?
- Age
- Nationality
- Diseases
- Tendency to thieve, run away, or attempt suicide
This information helped buyers assess the risk of purchasing a slave.
What happens if a slave had defects not listed in the titulus?
He could be returned within six weeks or the seller would have to pay back the purchaser
This rule protected buyers from undisclosed issues.
What did a slave wear if no warrant was given?
A pilleus (a cap)
This indicated that the buyer assumed all risks associated with the purchase.
What does the term leno refer to?
Pimp - sold slaves for immoral purposes
This term highlights the darker aspects of the slave trade.
Who were the servi publici?
Slaves who took care of public buildings and acted as servants of magistrates and priests
These slaves had specific duties related to public service.
What role did quaestors and aediles have regarding slaves?
They had slaves drilled as a corps of firemen to serve at night under the triumviri nocturni
This was part of maintaining public safety in ancient Rome.
What is a vilicus?
A slave in charge of latifundia
Latifundia were large estates that relied heavily on slave labor.
What is the role of a vilica?
A slave in charge of slave women who make wool clothes and such
This indicates the specialized roles within slave labor.
What does an atriensis do?
Butler
This role was crucial in managing household affairs.
What is the function of a procurator/dispensator?
Purchased goods and kept records of the purchases
This role involved financial management within the household.
What is the role of an ostiarius/ianitor?
Door keeper (usually chained to the door post)
This position indicates the importance of security in Roman households.
