What It Was Like to Be a Roman Slave
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Date: 2022-12-29
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Comments and reviews: 20
Alex
Fun fact from Roman Law.
Nexum was a contract since the Old Roman times, characterized as a 'pact of servitude'. If a person went bankrupt, they could sign the Nexum in order to pay off their debts. Initially in the Roman Republic, if you could not pay your debts, you would be taken in chains to your lender's dungeon, after which you would be shown in 3 successive fairs for someone to offer to pay your debt. If nobody accepted still, your lender could sell you into slavery abroad ( _trans Tiberim_, 'across the Tiber') or could even kill you.
From these severe consequences, we see how the Nexum presented itself as a beneficial opportunity. You agreed to work a number of days on your lender's property, until your debt would be free. In this period, you were considered a free person, but in reality conditions for the nexed were the same as for slaves (those who were not free human beings.
In theory, this contract presented benefits for both parties - the bankrut would become free of debt after completing the agreed work, and the lender found work force to exploit his domain (Women were not able to form this contract or own property, until the latter was reformed.
Nexing became widespread in Rome. But with time the Patricians nexed more and more Plebeians, generating armies of supressed workers. Nexum started to cause profound imbalances inside Roman society, due to the poor conditions in which bankruptees were expected to perform their obligation.
As a result, Plebs left en masse (secession) several times, claiming 'It is better to be slaves to our enemy, than to become slaves in our own city. ' They also refused to fight in wars, which could threaten Rome's existence for good. This is how the Tribune of the Plebs was imposed in Rome.
From these pressures, the Senate adopted a law - Lex Poetelia Papiria. It stated that only delinquents could agree on the Nexum, after they had destroyed private property and wished to repair the loss. From this point forward, Nexum basically stopped existing and the general population no longer could sign it.
1. On a first glance, the law was a massive victory of the Plebs in their fight against the Patricians for rights.
2. However, the adoption of the law marked deeper meanings for Roman society. The time had come for Rome to expand, winning wars and dominating the cities of Italy. From these victories, the prisoners were brought to Rome as slaves, starting up the notorious Roman slave economy. This is, in reality, why Nexum was no longer needed, as slave labour replaced the need for Plebeians to give away their disposable work.
Nexum is one of the most controversial Roman contracts
reply
Fun fact from Roman Law.
Nexum was a contract since the Old Roman times, characterized as a 'pact of servitude'. If a person went bankrupt, they could sign the Nexum in order to pay off their debts. Initially in the Roman Republic, if you could not pay your debts, you would be taken in chains to your lender's dungeon, after which you would be shown in 3 successive fairs for someone to offer to pay your debt. If nobody accepted still, your lender could sell you into slavery abroad ( _trans Tiberim_, 'across the Tiber') or could even kill you.
From these severe consequences, we see how the Nexum presented itself as a beneficial opportunity. You agreed to work a number of days on your lender's property, until your debt would be free. In this period, you were considered a free person, but in reality conditions for the nexed were the same as for slaves (those who were not free human beings.
In theory, this contract presented benefits for both parties - the bankrut would become free of debt after completing the agreed work, and the lender found work force to exploit his domain (Women were not able to form this contract or own property, until the latter was reformed.
Nexing became widespread in Rome. But with time the Patricians nexed more and more Plebeians, generating armies of supressed workers. Nexum started to cause profound imbalances inside Roman society, due to the poor conditions in which bankruptees were expected to perform their obligation.
As a result, Plebs left en masse (secession) several times, claiming 'It is better to be slaves to our enemy, than to become slaves in our own city. ' They also refused to fight in wars, which could threaten Rome's existence for good. This is how the Tribune of the Plebs was imposed in Rome.
From these pressures, the Senate adopted a law - Lex Poetelia Papiria. It stated that only delinquents could agree on the Nexum, after they had destroyed private property and wished to repair the loss. From this point forward, Nexum basically stopped existing and the general population no longer could sign it.
1. On a first glance, the law was a massive victory of the Plebs in their fight against the Patricians for rights.
2. However, the adoption of the law marked deeper meanings for Roman society. The time had come for Rome to expand, winning wars and dominating the cities of Italy. From these victories, the prisoners were brought to Rome as slaves, starting up the notorious Roman slave economy. This is, in reality, why Nexum was no longer needed, as slave labour replaced the need for Plebeians to give away their disposable work.
Nexum is one of the most controversial Roman contracts
reply
Chuck
i need to write a book about this shit i have like a book of important things to say about it that are touched on hear and their but connect on every aspect of life like the human condition like from this to a dog cookie to a 20 year war in the mid east its all fall hand in hand to a pattern of human being spoiled and weak and submissive or strong diciplined and in the best intrest of the all. in best intrest of the many is like a sadistic declaration of war on the few people failt to understand how much better thing could be if they just turned the many to the all in who they worked to help. the evil the bad they need help and it points to the great not being that good cuz the world defined by the fear of the few evil where if it was all good or all ok witch you could debate it is ok but good is in our grasp by the acceptance of all. i had to do everything myself well what is hadnt what if you everyone had helped you then you would help them and i get it you like doing it all yourself when knowone likes you just looking out for yourself so ya still kinda loose cuz ya dont live in a vacuum where everyone knows and i dont even really like this im do myself kinda guy but everyone helping each other out leaving knowone behind this is what the real winners do the people that dont get overcome so weather your looking out for yourself or everonels the behavior is gonna be the same all that in the middle in your less than that you could either greatful for or resentful for it still less than though those on top without less than well their never ungreatful it doesnt seem like thats a mistake that can be made but everyone not being greatful is less than your best
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i need to write a book about this shit i have like a book of important things to say about it that are touched on hear and their but connect on every aspect of life like the human condition like from this to a dog cookie to a 20 year war in the mid east its all fall hand in hand to a pattern of human being spoiled and weak and submissive or strong diciplined and in the best intrest of the all. in best intrest of the many is like a sadistic declaration of war on the few people failt to understand how much better thing could be if they just turned the many to the all in who they worked to help. the evil the bad they need help and it points to the great not being that good cuz the world defined by the fear of the few evil where if it was all good or all ok witch you could debate it is ok but good is in our grasp by the acceptance of all. i had to do everything myself well what is hadnt what if you everyone had helped you then you would help them and i get it you like doing it all yourself when knowone likes you just looking out for yourself so ya still kinda loose cuz ya dont live in a vacuum where everyone knows and i dont even really like this im do myself kinda guy but everyone helping each other out leaving knowone behind this is what the real winners do the people that dont get overcome so weather your looking out for yourself or everonels the behavior is gonna be the same all that in the middle in your less than that you could either greatful for or resentful for it still less than though those on top without less than well their never ungreatful it doesnt seem like thats a mistake that can be made but everyone not being greatful is less than your best
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Dywirnach
There were also some additional rules that permit the Roman society to work.
Was a common rules to set free slaves when their master dies, only who being enslaved because he fought directly the Romans cannot seek freedom of any kind but their children can be free
To remind that although some work have a lot of deaths mostly slaves were living a better life that common people and the worst jobs usually performed by them
A slave was an asset that only a person of a status can obtain and were rules to not kill spree or famine sudden slaves best practices was common sense for a reason our countrys still use a lot of laws created by Romans society.
Slavery end during the roman empire and one big reason was for Christianity but like I said romans were mostly ruled by common sense so why the avoid slavery was good no? ( I mean only for the free labor like a cynical person)
Wrong! A that time the population was reduced almost the half of was it was from epidemics and bad weather and an empire need soldier to defend itself from the enemies and you know who cannot fight? Slaves.
With one big swoop they eliminated slavery and all of the people living under the empire became citizens never in the history of humankind you will ever witness such a big change i think!
reply
There were also some additional rules that permit the Roman society to work.
Was a common rules to set free slaves when their master dies, only who being enslaved because he fought directly the Romans cannot seek freedom of any kind but their children can be free
To remind that although some work have a lot of deaths mostly slaves were living a better life that common people and the worst jobs usually performed by them
A slave was an asset that only a person of a status can obtain and were rules to not kill spree or famine sudden slaves best practices was common sense for a reason our countrys still use a lot of laws created by Romans society.
Slavery end during the roman empire and one big reason was for Christianity but like I said romans were mostly ruled by common sense so why the avoid slavery was good no? ( I mean only for the free labor like a cynical person)
Wrong! A that time the population was reduced almost the half of was it was from epidemics and bad weather and an empire need soldier to defend itself from the enemies and you know who cannot fight? Slaves.
With one big swoop they eliminated slavery and all of the people living under the empire became citizens never in the history of humankind you will ever witness such a big change i think!
reply
Learning
i strongly believe that a slave or its descendants can never be treated the same as those who were free in that land. my ancestors were slaves in Jamaica and my parents got out of there and never turned back. your environment plays a role on your success or failures.
Egyptians will never see the Israelites as free or equal to them if they were to stay in eygpt. and your parents will never see you as a grown up if they provide you with food and shelter. it's just what is it.
freedom is accountability and responsibility.
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i strongly believe that a slave or its descendants can never be treated the same as those who were free in that land. my ancestors were slaves in Jamaica and my parents got out of there and never turned back. your environment plays a role on your success or failures.
Egyptians will never see the Israelites as free or equal to them if they were to stay in eygpt. and your parents will never see you as a grown up if they provide you with food and shelter. it's just what is it.
freedom is accountability and responsibility.
reply
Joshua
Interesting. If I'm not mistaken, the original framework for American democracy originally was based on the supposed democracies of Greece and Rome. Landowning white men were the only ones who had a say in the governing of the nation. Women, men who didn't own property, Native Americans and African Americans, whether slaves or free, were unable to vote or participate in any way. Only later on and after much contention were these rights gradually granted to said groups.
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Interesting. If I'm not mistaken, the original framework for American democracy originally was based on the supposed democracies of Greece and Rome. Landowning white men were the only ones who had a say in the governing of the nation. Women, men who didn't own property, Native Americans and African Americans, whether slaves or free, were unable to vote or participate in any way. Only later on and after much contention were these rights gradually granted to said groups.
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Anthony
Also during that time there was other types of slavery. A person could sell themselfs as a slave for seven years but could be redeemed for a price. Or if they wanted to keep themselfs as slaves which the owner had to go to officials or the gate of the city and tell everyone. The the persons ear was pierced showing that he gave himself as a slave
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Also during that time there was other types of slavery. A person could sell themselfs as a slave for seven years but could be redeemed for a price. Or if they wanted to keep themselfs as slaves which the owner had to go to officials or the gate of the city and tell everyone. The the persons ear was pierced showing that he gave himself as a slave
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Moma
Interesting is the statement that societies that rely on slavery are not sustainable. Well, considering that nowadays minimum wage employees in many companies are little more than slaves, we can figure out how sustainable is our society going to be. Why I say that? Take a look at workers of Amazon or Uber. Slavery.
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Interesting is the statement that societies that rely on slavery are not sustainable. Well, considering that nowadays minimum wage employees in many companies are little more than slaves, we can figure out how sustainable is our society going to be. Why I say that? Take a look at workers of Amazon or Uber. Slavery.
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Andy61
Slavery had been around long bfore the Romans. It was rife in Pre-Roman Europe, Asia and, the Middle East. The American slave trade lasted 246yrs but world slavery had been going on for millenia. More caucasian people through history ended up in slavery than their African cousins
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Slavery had been around long bfore the Romans. It was rife in Pre-Roman Europe, Asia and, the Middle East. The American slave trade lasted 246yrs but world slavery had been going on for millenia. More caucasian people through history ended up in slavery than their African cousins
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Ambreen
Roman slaves led a horrible life. Being abused by their masters, they were considered properties not humans. No wonder there were revolts and roman empire collapsed. Their golden period was pretty ruthless and deprived thousands of people their basic human rights.
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Roman slaves led a horrible life. Being abused by their masters, they were considered properties not humans. No wonder there were revolts and roman empire collapsed. Their golden period was pretty ruthless and deprived thousands of people their basic human rights.
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Ron
And with that last comment In the video. America is not sustainable It was dopes and still functions of slavery. So Americas finished. Interesting how he said slavery died with Rome. So we're just going to ignore the eastern Western world today
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And with that last comment In the video. America is not sustainable It was dopes and still functions of slavery. So Americas finished. Interesting how he said slavery died with Rome. So we're just going to ignore the eastern Western world today
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GoingMonotheisT
It's funny.
How horrible life used to work back then.
And yet. Much fewer atheists worrying about the problem of evil back then.
Only in our spoiled times does evil seem to be sooooo ontologically unbearable.
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It's funny.
How horrible life used to work back then.
And yet. Much fewer atheists worrying about the problem of evil back then.
Only in our spoiled times does evil seem to be sooooo ontologically unbearable.
reply
Ben
Thanks for the video as usual I enjoy your light-hearted take on things. I feel obliged to point out that slavery still very much exists today and there's probably more slaves world-wide than in any other time in history.
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Thanks for the video as usual I enjoy your light-hearted take on things. I feel obliged to point out that slavery still very much exists today and there's probably more slaves world-wide than in any other time in history.
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Fagk
I believe those slaves had a better life than the masters at least they didnt have to decide anything in their life or choose a major. They just had simple jobs and horrible life the great recipe for happiness
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I believe those slaves had a better life than the masters at least they didnt have to decide anything in their life or choose a major. They just had simple jobs and horrible life the great recipe for happiness
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Dee
Emperor Hadrian reformed old laws that treated slaves unjustly and harshly. He was said to have thought slavery should be abolished, but that was not practical, so instead he worked on reforms.
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Emperor Hadrian reformed old laws that treated slaves unjustly and harshly. He was said to have thought slavery should be abolished, but that was not practical, so instead he worked on reforms.
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Jabroni
Bro no slavery is about race and no matter how much modern people try it make it so the North Atlantic slave trade had sweet FA to do with race.
It was clearly financial like always.
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Bro no slavery is about race and no matter how much modern people try it make it so the North Atlantic slave trade had sweet FA to do with race.
It was clearly financial like always.
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Stef
They really where subject to some dyer conditions and in some cases some very explicit acts. The slave revolution lead by Spartacus was there only time to be free but sadly wasn't to last.
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They really where subject to some dyer conditions and in some cases some very explicit acts. The slave revolution lead by Spartacus was there only time to be free but sadly wasn't to last.
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Odysseus
But. . but. . but. . I'm confused. I thought slavery was invented here, in America, in 1619 and never existed anywhere else in the world. That's what all my woke friends say.
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But. . but. . but. . I'm confused. I thought slavery was invented here, in America, in 1619 and never existed anywhere else in the world. That's what all my woke friends say.
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Bamatide95
This is why I laugh when people cry about slavery in America besides the fact that they never experienced every civilization through history had slaves
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This is why I laugh when people cry about slavery in America besides the fact that they never experienced every civilization through history had slaves
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wally
This is historically inaccurate, only black people have been slaves. And if you mention any other race being enslaved, you're a racist, and against BLM.
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This is historically inaccurate, only black people have been slaves. And if you mention any other race being enslaved, you're a racist, and against BLM.
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David
Couldn't gain freedom under the age of 30? What makes this so bad was wasn't the average life expectancy back in Roman times was only 25 years?
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Couldn't gain freedom under the age of 30? What makes this so bad was wasn't the average life expectancy back in Roman times was only 25 years?
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