Slaves
Did you know slavery was common in ancient Rome? Almost every wealthy family owned slaves. Even poor families might own one. While few owners paid slaves for their work, they often took good care of the household slaves. Slaves had almost no rights.Slaves and their owners usually had big relationships. Slaves thought their owners were very trusting. Household slaves helped raise children and provided friendship.
Household slaves were almost fortunate. Other kinds of slaves often led short, brutal lives. Slaves who worked on farms sometimes worked chained together during the day and slept in chains at night. Slaves in copper, tin, and iron mines worked in terrible conditions risked death every time they fought. Roman warship were often powered by slaves trained as rowers. Some slaves were able to save their tips to buy there freedom. They could buy their freedom by chariot racing. These sports became famous and wealthy.
Household slaves were almost fortunate. Other kinds of slaves often led short, brutal lives. Slaves who worked on farms sometimes worked chained together during the day and slept in chains at night. Slaves in copper, tin, and iron mines worked in terrible conditions risked death every time they fought. Roman warship were often powered by slaves trained as rowers. Some slaves were able to save their tips to buy there freedom. They could buy their freedom by chariot racing. These sports became famous and wealthy.