Western Civilization - Essay Example

Taking care of slaves wasn’t easy and due to numerous advantages of owning slaves, owners needed to keep them safe and healthy. Some masters abuse their slaves and engage them in prostitution, especially young women, to increase their wealth. Some men slaves became gladiators who often fight animals in an arena for their masters’ mere entertainment. (Wiedemann, 101) This resulted in the revolts of the salve community. Later imperial laws were implemented that gave the slaves some privileges and rights.

Although these privileges were limited, they were able to enjoy them especially those with good masters. Many slaves were better dressed compared to the poor freemen due to the privileges they savored with their masters. Appreciation of slaves was one of the positive and beneficial aspects of Roman slavery. Saturnalia was celebrated just like Christmas in which masters and slaves switched places – masters serve slaves and slaves act as masters. (Wiedemann, 224) This was a symbol of the appreciation of masters to their slaves.