Description

There have never been more enslaved human beings than today. To understand why and in what ways humans were and are subjected to slavery is thus of immediate relevance. The present study critically surveys how our understanding of slavery was advanced within the particular remit of Roman slavery studies. Roth explores the chief scholarly developments in the second half of the twentieth century, repeatedly illustrating their embeddedness in both earlier and broader historical and historiographical contexts. Key thematic aspects and methodological developments discussed in this volume include the influence of the Cold War on the field, the debate on the Roman slave supply, and, more recently, archaeological explorations of Roman slavery. Particular emphasis is put on illustrating the significant shifts in the modern approach to the study of Roman slavery over time through select examples. The book demonstrates the importance and vitality of Roman slavery studies, as well as its interrelatedness with other fields, esp. in the historical sciences and classical studies. It is an indispensable companion for anyone starting research on Roman slavery, advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students, and scholars in related fields.