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Slaves were individuals who were involuntarily held in bondage and forced to work without pay. They were typically held captive and exploited by slaveowners, overseers, or traders who profited from their labor.
Two types of slaves in ancient Rome were household slaves who worked in the homes of their master, performing domestic duties, and agricultural slaves who worked in the fields and farms belonging to their master.
Slaves who worked in the home generally had better living conditions, access to better food, and sometimes received special treatment from their owners compared to those who worked in the fields. However, they were still subject to the same brutal treatment and lack of freedom experienced by all slaves.
Yes, some slaves did form relationships and communities with other slaves for support and companionship. This was a way for them to cope with the harsh conditions of slavery and find solidarity in their shared experiences.
House slaves were sometimes resented by field slaves because they typically had better living conditions, closer proximity to the master, and less physically demanding work. This perceived preferential treatment could create jealousy and tensions between the two groups of slaves.
Many freed slaves did not have the means to leave the farms where they had worked as slaves, and often lacked alternative opportunities for work or housing. Additionally, some former slaves may have had emotional connections to the land and a desire for stability after experiencing significant upheaval.