Vocabulary Terms:

• Servus: Slave
• Dominus: Master
• Manumission: The act of freeing a slave
• Infamia: Loss of social standing, often associated with slaves and freedmen
• Vernae: Slaves born into slavery

These terms are commonly used in historical texts when discussing slavery in ancient Rome. Understanding them helps in grasping the social structure of Roman society.

Question 1: Define the following terms related to Roman slavery. (3 marks)

Source A: Roman Poet Martial: 'Slaves are the backbone of Rome; without them, the city would fall.' Provenance: Poem by Martial, 1st century AD.

This source highlights the importance of slaves in maintaining Roman city life and economy.

Question 2: How does Source A present the role of slaves in Rome? (4 marks)

Historian View: Historians often debate whether slavery was a necessary part of Roman economy or a moral issue. Some argue it was integral for economic growth, while others see it as a source of social injustice.

Question 3: Compare the different perspectives on slavery in Rome discussed by historians. (5 marks)

Source B: Description of a Roman Slave's Life: 'A slave's life was hard; they worked long hours in the fields or in households, often facing harsh punishments.' Provenance: Excerpt from a Roman legal document, 2nd century AD.

Question 4: Outline the typical daily life of a Roman slave based on the source. (3 marks)

Source C: Freed Slave's Perspective: 'When I was freed, I gained freedom but was still considered a social inferior.' Provenance: Writings of a freedman, 1st century AD.

Question 5: Explain what happens when a slave is freed in Rome and the social status they hold afterward. (4 marks)

Source D: Roman Economist: 'Slaves provided the backbone of Roman agriculture and industry, enabling economic expansion.' Provenance: Roman economic treatise, 3rd century AD.

Question 6: Analyse the importance of slavery to the Roman economy based on the source. (5 marks)

Reflect on how slavery shaped daily life and society in ancient Rome. Consider both the economic benefits and social issues involved.

Question 7: Write a short paragraph summarizing the impact of slavery on Roman society and daily life. (4 marks)