Slavery is a system in which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and forced to work. Most people are familiar with the slavery of black people in America, but slavery of different ethnicities has existed in almost every society as far back as antiquity, maybe even further. For example, it was common in ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, The Ottoman Empire, China and India.
Slavery was a cornerstone of Roman society and economy. The Romans enslaved both foreigners and fellow citizens, including entire populations conquered in war.
The institution of slavery in Rome had a significant impact on society at large. Slavery was an important part of the economy, and for many Romans, slaves and the services they performed were an essential part of the family.
Slavery in Rome was not only a legal institution, but also a cultural one. Slaves were not only the property of their owners, but they also became members of the family and helped maintain Roman culture. Some were treated badly by their owners, others were treated well.
The slave population in ancient Rome is estimated to have been around 5 to 10 million people, i.e. 10 to 20% of the Roman Empire’s estimated population. It has been argued that Julius Caesar and his army alone brought about 1 million slaves back to Rome once he had conquered Gaul.
If the slaves were lucky, they earned money by performing their services, and could eventually buy their freedom, as long as the owner agreed. An example is Marcus Venerius Secundio, a slave in Pompeii who bought his freedom and eventually became one of the wealthiest citizens in the city.