Roman Slavery

Roman slavery differed from the slavery of ancient Greece. For one, Roman masters held more power over their slaves. This included, by law, the power over life and death. Slavery was also far more necessary to the economy and social system of Rome, especially during the empire, than ancient Greece. Wealthy Romans often relied on many slaves to maintain efficient operation of these households. Imperial conquests and expansion strained the Roman citizen workforce, so great numbers of foreign slaves were needed to be imported to fill agricultural labor needs. The primary source of these slaves was through warfare. Tens of thousands of captured prisoners were brought to Rome as slaves. Other sources were through debtors, who sold themselves or their family into slavery. Also, persons convicted of serious crimes were made slaves. This dependancy on slavery contributed significantly to Rome's downfall.