As in other ancient civilizations, slavery was common in Rome. In the early days of the Republic, most slaves were poor Italian farmers who had lost their freedom because of inability to repay their debts. Once Rome began to expand the number of foreign slaves expanded enormously. From Caesar’s to Augustus’ conquests, slaves may have accounted for a quarter of the population of Italy.
Slaves were often treated badly. However, the slaves became the backbone of the Roman society. Educated Greeks became respected teachers, others became skilled artisans and household workers, others were rowers of the Roman navy, and others became miners, farmers, and factory workers.
A Roman law, however, was enacted that freed the slaves. Freed slaves became