Example of how to fill out a quotation sheet

Topic: "Slavery Could be positive for slaves/arguments for good treatment of slaves." Evidence from readings.

“Slaves were considered property; they had no rights and were subject to their owners' whims. However, they had legal standing as witnesses in courtroom proceedings, and they could eventually gain freedom and citizenship. Masters often freed loyal slaves in gratitude for their faithful service, but slaves could also save money to purchase their freedom. Conditions for slaves in Rome gradually improved, although slaves were treated cruelly in the countryside.” Source “Ancient Roman Slaves worksheet.” page 1.


Differences between Roman slavery and slavery in the Americas.  Example: Manumission - the ability of slaves to be freed. Roman owners freed their slaves in considerable numbers: some freed them outright, while others allowed them to buy their own freedom. 

       The prospect of possible freedom through manumission encouraged most slaves to be obedient and hard working. Formal manumission was performed by a magistrate and gave freed men full Roman citizenship. The one exception was that they were not allowed to hold office. However, the law gave any children born to freedmen, after formal manumission, full rights of citizenship, including the right to hold office. Freed slaves and their free-born children could become full members of Roman society. Source “Ancient Roman Slaves worksheet.” page 2.


Praise for a good master (Seneca). I am glad to learn, through those who come from you, that you live on friendly terms with your slaves. This befits a sensible and well-educated man like yourself. "They are slaves," people declare.[1] Nay, rather they are men. "Slaves!" No, comrades. "Slaves!" No, they are unpretentious friends. "Slaves!" No, they are our fellow-slaves, if one reflects that Fortune has equal rights over slaves and free men alike.” Source: Seneca Moral letters to Lucilius/Letter 47

There is saying: "As many enemies as you have slaves." They are not enemies when we acquire them; we make them enemies. Source: Seneca Moral letters to Lucilius/Letter 47. [Pliny also quotes this saying, but makes a different point: masters live with fear because of slaves.]

Kindly remember that he whom you call your slave sprang from the same stock, is smiled upon by the same skies, and on equal terms with yourself breathes, lives, and dies. It is just as possible for you to see in him a free-born man as for him to see in you a slave. Source: Seneca Moral letters to Lucilius/Letter 47

Treat your inferiors as you would be treated by your betters. And as often as you reflect how much power you have over a slave, remember that your master has just as much power over you. 12. "But I have no master," you say. You are still young; perhaps you will [one day] have one. [5] Source: Seneca Moral letters to Lucilius/Letter 47

13. Associate with your slave on kindly, even on affable, terms; let him talk with you, plan with you, live with you. Source: Seneca Moral letters to Lucilius/Letter 47

Seneca synopsis: it is a wise and honourable thing to treat slaves well and in a friendly manner. The fact that some slave owners held this opinion indicates that slaves could be treated well.

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Topic: Negative aspects of slavery for slave owners.

"Thus you see what indignities, outrages and dangers we are exposed. Nor is leniency and good treatment any security from the villainies of your servants; for it is malice, and not reflection that arms such ruffians against their masters." Source: Pliny, Book 3, Letter 14. On the Murder of a master by his slaves.

Slave resistence in Ancient Rome, Ingrid de Haas. 
"... slave owners in Rome...were plagued by instances of slave resistance." p.1

Flight was the most popular form of resistance. Masters' lost their investment and could waste a lot of time and money trying to get a run away slave back. Source: Slave resistence in Ancient Rome, Ingrid de Haas, page 2. 

Runaway slaves could kidnap and owner's children. Slave resistence in Ancient Rome, Ingrid de Haas. page 2.