Slaves, Freedmen and Patronage

How did one become a slave?

- Born a slave
- Captives of war
- Kidnapping by pirates
- Convicted criminals

What were the three types of slave?

Domestic, industrial and public

What did male domestic slaves do?

- Work for the paterfamilias
- do his accounts
- run errands
- accompany him to the baths
- accompany children to school
- entertainers (musicians, actors etc)

What did female domestic slaves do?

- childcare
- cooking
- cleaning
- weaving
- shopping
- entertainment (dancing)

What did industrial slaves do?

Working in:
- mines
- factories
- farming estates (shepherds and cowherds)
- rowers on galleys
- bought for training as gladiators

What did public slaves do?

Upkeep of:
- temples
- baths
- public buildings

What else could public slaves do?

Public construction, maintenance projects on roads, aqueducts

What could educated public slaves do?

Work as scribes in Roman civil service

How much power did the master have?

LOTS - power over life and death of the slave

What did masters do to stop their slaves from running away?

Branded them
Metal identification collars

What rights did slaves have?

None - no legal or political rights
Could not marry or own property

Did masters always treat slaves badly?

Some masters were brutal but others were kind. Common sense usually prevented a master from treating slaves too harshly as well-cared for slaves would work better; a skilled slave was expensive to replace.

Were slaves allowed to leave the house?

Yes, they moved without restriction about towns, went shopping, visited temples and were quite often present at the theatre and amphitheatre.

How did one become a freedman?

- if slaves earned enough they could buy their freedom
- master might choose to free a slave

Why might a master free their slave?

- if they were too old to work
- as a reward for loyal service
- sign of friendship / respect

How could a master free his slave?

- in a will
- through a manumission ceremony
- announcing it in front of a group of friends
- inviting a slave to recline on the couch at dinner

What happened during manumission?

- took place in front of a public official like a judge
- a witness claimed the slave did not really belong to the master
- the master did not deny the claim
- the slave's head was touched with a rod
- slaves would often wear felt caps

What was a libertus?

A freedman / ex-slave. They were now classed as a Roman citizen (male only)

What could they still not do?

Run for public office or become a high ranking officer in the army.

What could their children do?

Have full rights of citizenship!

How was the libertus attached to his master?

As a client

What did this mean he had to do?

- work for him for a number of days each year
- visit him regularly to pay respects
- help and support his master (e.g. at elections)

How was the connection between a libertus and his former master clearly seen?

The libertus would take some of the names of his former master.

What jobs would a freedman have done?

They might:
- do the same work they had done as slaves
- be set up in business by their ex-master
- become priests in temples
- become servants of the towns (council secretaries, messengers, town clerk and town crier were all probably freedmen).

What was a patron?

A wealthier Roman who supported poorer ones

What was a client?

A poorer Roman / freedman who would be supported by a patron.

When would a client visit his patron?

Early in the morning (1st and 2nd hours) during the salutatio

What would a client hope to receive?

- a sportula - previously a little basket of food but gradually became money. The standard amount was 6.25 sesterces.
Also possibly:
- legal advice / speak on his behalf in court
- presents
- employment
- an invitation to dinner

What was expected of a client during a salutatio?

- wear a toga
- address his patron as domine
- perform errands
- accompany him to the forum on official business
- witness signing of legal document
- lead the applause if he made a public speech

What were the advantages of the patronage system?

For a client:
- No state assistance, so a patron might be his main support
- Help him climb up in society
- Find better jobs
For a patron:
- Able to call on the services of his clients
- Good for prestige and status to have lots of clients

What were the disadvantages of being a client

* Tasks could be boring and time-consuming
* Clients at dinner parties sometimes complained they got poorer quality food and drink
* 'How much longer have I got to turn up to these early-morning buttering-up sessions, mingling with the mob of followers and little men all done up in their posh togas? And for what? A handful of brass for a full day's work.' Martial, Epigrams
* You order me to perform for you the duties of a new and recent friend, Fabianus; that at first light, shivering, I should greet you and that your litter should drag me through the middle of the mud; that when I am worn out, I should follow you at the tenth hour or later to the baths of Agrippa ... Is this what I have deserved, Fabianus, that, when my toga is threadbare, you think I have not yet earned my discharge?