Abolition of Slavery in Rome
In Ancient Rome, manumission was the legal process of freeing slaves and giving them the right to become citizens. It was a common practice amongst wealthy Romans and was viewed as a symbol of goodwill. This benevolent act enabled slaves to gain their freedom and often times was a gift of appreciation from a slave owner to their slave. When manumission occurred, the slave was usually given an appropriate gift as a symbol of their newly acquired freedom.
The Freedman
A freedman was known as a libertus in Latin and was highly esteemed in Rome during the Republic and Empire eras. A freedman was of freeborn status, held certain rights and were expected to take up certain duties. Freedmans were held accountable for contributing to the Empire’s economic and military expansion, whilst being rewarded with the gifts of Roman citizenship and protection.
Social Standing of the Freedmen
The freedman was highly respected by the upper classes in Rome. They were bestowed with wealth, land and the deeds to their manumission, acquiring a greater sense of self-worth and respect. They enjoyed many of the rights of a Roman citizen as it was recorded that they were allowed to marry citizens, manage business and make wills.
Gifts of Manumission
When manumission occurred, it was tradition for the slave to be gifted a sum of money as a sign of appreciation and freedom. This money was a symbol of the strengthened bond between master and servant and was used to assist the slave in rebuilding their life. Other appropriate gifts for manumission in Ancient Rome included land, wealth and the right to perform certain duties and responsibilities.
The Right to Musicianship
Slaves were gifted the right to musicianship upon being freed. This was a great gift because this privilege was often denied to slaves. Slaves were not allowed to perform music in public but upon being freed, they were granted permission to perform in the public arena. This enabled them to establish connections with the upper classes and initiate their career in music.
The Right to Dispose of Property
Manumission in Ancient Rome also gave the freedman the right to own property. This was a major difference between the life of the freedman and the slave and was a great privilege. The gift of property rights enabled the freedman to build and gain wealth, accumulate possessions and to effectively pass down their legacy to their own children.
The Implication of Manumission Gifts
The gifts given during the act of manumission were not just material but more importantly had a symbolic meaning behind them. The gifts demonstrated the master’s appreciation of the slave and gave the freedman emotional stability and assurance, which was a great benefit. They displayed the respect, trust and dignity that the former owner had for the freedman enabling them to finally build a stable, happy life.
Roles of Manumission Events
Throughout Ancient Rome, manumission events became increasingly popular. They were frequently attended by freedman and their families as it was seen as a great occasion to celebrate the act of freedom. It was a social gathering which allowed the freedman to be reconciled to the upper classes and allowed them to join the ranks of society.
Religious Hold on Manumission
Religion also had a major hold on manumission in Ancient Rome. The population believed that manumission and the process of freeing slaves were an important act, protected by the gods and governed by ethics. Abolishing slavery in some Rome households was seen as a moral issue and was a common custom in Ancient Rome.
Roman Law and Manumission
Roman law protected the rights of freedmen. They weren’t allowed to be re-enslaved and were under the protection of the law. If a freedman was wronged, then the Roman court had the power to rectify the situation and protect the rights of the freedman.
Roles of the Former Slave Master
The former slave master had a continued moral responsibility for the freedman and was expected to provide for them. This included ensuring their rights were maintained and making sure of their safety. If the former master unjustly treated their freedman then Roman law could intervene and the master could be subjected to punishment.
Freedman’s Legal Protection
Freedmen in Ancient Rome were protected by the law. They had the right to have disputes heard by the Roman court and the right to enter into legal contracts. This was significant as it meant they could enter into business deals, loan money and own property. This protection enabled the freedman to gain access to stable resources and financial stability.
Restrictions on Freedmen
Although freedmen had access to the same rights afforded to citizens, they were still subject to some restrictions. They were not allowed to join the Senate and were banned from holding certain public roles. Freedman were also restricted by their social status, which meant that although free, there were some freedoms that were unavailable to them.
Conclusion
In Ancient Rome, manumission was a common practice amongst wealthy slave owners. Gifts of money and rights were typically given to the slave to help them build a better life. Manumission gifts were more than just material objects and were seen as symbols of goodwill, appreciation, stability and emancipation. Freedmen in Ancient Rome were protected by Roman law and were given the same rights as Roman citizens. This enabled the freedman to have access to many opportunities, previously denied to them.
