Reading Group: Hidden in Plain Sight: Uncovering the Life of a Roman Slave

Previous participation and previous knowledge not required.

The Roman Empire was the wealthiest, most influential power in the ancient Mediterranean for centuries. We know this thanks to an abundance of literary sources that detail the exploits of many high-ranking, illustrious Roman men who held the reigns of power during that time.

But what of those lower down the social scale? For every emperor, senator or general, there were many more enslaved individuals, who made that power possible. Yet there is not one single ancient source dedicated to detailing the lives of the enslaved in Roman society.

Consequently, historians must cast a wide net for scraps of information to uncover the experience of Roman slavery. By reading literary excerpts that range from agricultural manuals and historical texts, to private letters, philosophical teachings and even comic drama, this course gathers those scraps together to take you on a literary journey through the life of an enslaved individual.

3-Week Text-In-Translation Reading Group

Mondays @ 1pm EST

Start date: June 13th

End date: July 27th

Participants only need to register for each Reading Group once, you will receive links to our Live Syllabus where readings and discussions are posted in the confirmation email.

By RSVPing, you are agreeing that a recording of the event can be shared with others who RSVPed.