There was not a tremendous change in family life and
slavery from the Empire and the Republic the primary change was political, and social.
The growing affluence of the Empire led its people to call for more and better sources
of entertainment and diversion. This need was met by gladiatorial fights and the
Circus Maximus. Additional diversions were theaters and the Roman
baths.
Roman society during the Empire was strongly
patriarchal. The oldest family male, either the father or grandfather, was the
paterfamilias. He could divorce his wife at will, legally kill her if she
committed adultery, could also kill his children at will or sell them into slavery if he
wished. He could force them to marry when and whom he wished, even against their will.
Still, important decisions were made by a family council consisting of all adult males.
Roman wives were expected to exemplify the virtues of chastity, modesty, fidelity and
dedication to the family. It was she who supervised household
slaves.
Slavery actually expanded under the Empire. At one
point, one third the population of the Empire were slaves. Slavery was not based on race
or color; in fact black or Germanic slaves were considered quite desirable, and
conspicuous indicators of wealth. Household slaves Worked as craftsmen, shopkeepers,
servants, even business agents. Many lived quite comfortably; and could expect to be
manumitted (freed) at age thirty if they had been faithful. Unfaithful servants could be
punished at the master's whim, including execution for serious
offenses.
Slaves in the countryside were not so fortunate.
They worked on large latifundia,as state owned slaves. Others were
required to work in quarries or road building. Quite often they were chained togeher in
teams to work. The work and their living conditions was so harsh that several slave
revolts resulted. The most famous revolt was led by Spartacus which required eight Roman
Legions to defeat. At its end, Spartacus was crucified for his
efforts.
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