50. Rome: A Slave Society

In this episode of Empire, William Dalrymple and William, along with guest Mary Beard, delve into the pervasive nature of slavery in ancient Rome. They discuss the economic dependence on slave labor, its integration into Roman culture and language, and the dehumanization of enslaved people. Beard highlights that Rome was undeniably a slave society, with millions enslaved due to conquest, and that slavery was deeply connected to the definition of citizenship. The discussion covers the brutal realities of slavery, including mass exploitation in mines and agriculture, the loss of identity for enslaved individuals, and the commodification of slaves as gifts. They also explore the paradox of Roman manumission, the limited instances of slave rebellions like that of Spartacus, and the constant resistance exhibited by slaves through acts of defiance and sabotage.