Slavery in the Roman Empire

Behind the impressive relics the Romans left behind lurks a much darker story: that most of Rome was built on the back of enslaved people.

It's shocking to know that up to 30% of Roman society was made up of enslaved people. So how was this represented in every day life? What was life like for different enslaved people in the Roman empire? And was freedom ever a possibility?

Joining Kate today is Roman historian Emma Southon, whose new book Servus: The Moving, Enthralling True Story of Slavery in the Roman Empire takes us back to this world.

This episode was edited by Hannah Feodorov and Anna Grant. Produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Freddy Chick.

All music from Epidemic Sounds.

Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

Betwixt the Sheets is a History Hit podcast.

History Hit is part of Little Dot Studios, a Certified B Corp™