Abstract
The Position of Freedmen in Roman Society
By Cory DiBacco, Undergraduate History Major, James Madison University
This research investigates the methods of integration into Roman society by freedmen and how their positions in the public were met with significant countervailing tension because of the macula servitutis, or stain of slavery. This paper analyzes the examples and ways in which freedmen overcame the macula servitutis and disapproving perspectives regarding manumission to become respectable members of society. The research for this analysis relies on excellent historical monographs and primary sources of freedmen epitaphs, the writings of Cicero, Pliny, and many other prominent Roman contemporaries. Freedmen had the opportunity for an encouraging experience through legislation that promoted active citizenship, generous patrons whom assumed the role of a respectful father taking care of their freedom, the ability to succeed to some degree publicly through the seviri Augustales and as represented by self-commemorative epitaphs, and the decisions of freedmen to incorporate euergetic roles into their communities.
The Position of Freedmen in Roman Society
The Position of Freedmen in Roman Society
By Cory DiBacco, Undergraduate History Major, James Madison University
This research investigates the methods of integration into Roman society by freedmen and how their positions in the public were met with significant countervailing tension because of the macula servitutis, or stain of slavery. This paper analyzes the examples and ways in which freedmen overcame the macula servitutis and disapproving perspectives regarding manumission to become respectable members of society. The research for this analysis relies on excellent historical monographs and primary sources of freedmen epitaphs, the writings of Cicero, Pliny, and many other prominent Roman contemporaries. Freedmen had the opportunity for an encouraging experience through legislation that promoted active citizenship, generous patrons whom assumed the role of a respectful father taking care of their freedom, the ability to succeed to some degree publicly through the seviri Augustales and as represented by self-commemorative epitaphs, and the decisions of freedmen to incorporate euergetic roles into their communities.
