In ancient Rome, where did the slaves come from?

Question

like where did Rome get their slaves from?

Answer 1

Slavery was a widespread practice in the ancient world but ancient Greece and Rome were the only true "slave societies." The Romans had a saying that: 'servi aut nascuntur, aut fiunt. That means that slaves are either born or made. There were various means by which people became slaves, just as it is on Gor. Unlike the Greeks, Roman citizens could end up as slaves. Roman slaves were not limited to barbarians and foreigners.
During the Roman Republic, the primary source of acquiring slaves was through warfare. The enslavement of prisoners of war was very common in the ancient world. As Rome expanded its borders, it was constantly engaged in wars and this provided a steady stream of slaves into their society. This did lead to a significant population of foreign slaves. But, with the coming of the empire and the 'Pax Romana,' the Roman peace, there were less and smaller wars. Thus, this source of slavery began to provide a much reduced supply than previously. This shortfall was made up through other means. Gor has long acquired slaves through raids and warfare. The Gorean spoils of war denote the common percentages of free women and men that are often claimed as slaves.

Children who were born to slave women became slaves themselves. Such children are called 'vernae.' The status of the father was irrelevant in such matters. This is exactly as in many Gorean cities. On Gor, the status of the mother is generally the determining factor in whether a child will be born as a slave or not. Some owners encouraged their female slaves to have children and thus create more slaves. This was likely never a significant means of increasing the Roman slave supply, especially as most slaves were male.

Some free parents, who could not raise their own children, might sell the infants into slavery. Some Gorean free women did this as well. Other parents might abandon their infants to the elements, exposing them ostensibly to the deaths. Such infant exposure was common in the ancient world and was not made illegal in Rome until 374 A.D. Some of these abandoned infants would be found, claimed and then made into slaves. Exposure of infants also occurs on Gor and it is likely that some may be also claimed by Slavers.

A person could sell themselves into slavery though Roman law never acknowledged this as valid. But, this is recognized by Gorean law, and once the transaction is completed, it cannot be invalidated by the seller. Certain serious crimes, such as theft, tax evasion, evasion of military service, and murder, may also lead to one's enslavement. Debtors, unable to pay their bills, might be sold as a slave to their creditor. Certain Gorean crimes can lead to one's enslavement. Debtors can end up enslaved or their family might suffer the enslavement. For example, a Gorean father who cannot pay his debts may find that his daughter has been enslaved due to his debts.

Answer 2

From all over Europe, northern Africa and the eastern parts of the extensive Roman Empire.
Whenever the Romans conquered an area, it was common practice that they rounded up a portion of the population and marched them back to Rome (or other parts of the Empire), to be sold as slaves.

Answer 3

From countries that were conquered. Most were sold into slavery to give the commanding general, and sometimes his men, spoils for the campaign. Many males were killed, especially if they were in the army, women and children mostly were then brought to one of the larger towns, such as Capua or Rome, and sold.

Answer 4

They came from countries they conquered. The military once they defeated the army took the "spoils of war". Which included the women and children that they used as slave labor.

Answer 5

Egypt

Answer 6

Anywhere they could be had. Some came from Britannia, some from Spain, France, Egypt, etc.

Answer 7

North Africa, Northern Europe, all over their enlarging empire really.

Answer 8

everyone who lost a war to the Romans

Answer 9

There are many good books on this subject if you know where your local library is. Or if you know what a library is. (It's the big building with all the books in it.)

Answer 10

Countries that they defeated in war. (i know it's shocking.. but slavery really has nothing to do with race)