{"id":10023,"date":"2023-12-07T22:05:12","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T21:05:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=10023"},"modified":"2023-12-07T22:05:12","modified_gmt":"2023-12-07T21:05:12","slug":"where-do-slaves-live-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/where-do-slaves-live-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Do Slaves Live In Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Background Information<\/h2>\n

The phenomenon of slavery has a long history and is believed to have existed since the dawn of humankind. During the ancient Roman era, it was commonplace to have slaves perform everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and manual labor. But what was the living situation of slaves in ancient Rome?<\/p>\n

What Living Arrangements?<\/h2>\n

Slaves in Ancient Rome lived in a variety of settings. The wealthiest citizens typically owned large villas and mansions with numerous slaves. These slaves were often provided their own sleeping quarters, separate from their owners’, within the villa or mansion. Slaves who belonged to smaller, middle-class households usually lived within the family’s living quarters.
\nThe living quarters of slaves were often cramped, with little attention to maintenance or sanitation. Slaves were expected to maintain their own sleeping areas, making it difficult for them to achieve a well-maintained living environment.<\/p>\n

Work Hours<\/h2>\n

Slaves in Ancient Rome worked long hours, sometimes working up to sixteen hours a day with only the weekends off. During the winter, they worked in the daylight while in the summer they worked in shifts so as not to be exposed to too much heat.
\nSlaves typically worked a combination of different types of tasks. Household chores included baking, gardening, washing dishes, laundry, and animal husbandry. It was not uncommon for slaves to also be employed as servants or craftsmen in larger households.<\/p>\n

Life Expectancy<\/h2>\n

The life expectancy of slaves in Ancient Rome was much lower than that of their owners. Often, the death of a slave was seen as a minor inconvenience. Slaves were regularly sent to the gladiator games, where they were forced to fight for their lives for the entertainment of the Roman public.
\nIn addition to violence, unpleasant working and living conditions, inadequate nourishment, and a lack of proper healthcare meant that most slaves died before reaching the age of forty. Slaves usually only lived to the age of 20-30 years old.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/h2>\n