Sweeney 1 Dan Sweeney 11/18/11 Roman Slavery

A Game of Pawns and Chance

Get on with it already, Titus thought to himself. His opponent Trajan was taking entirely too long to decide his next move, and Titus was growing impatient. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he moved one of his glass pieces forward. Latruinculi1, like military strategy, requires careful planning and maneuveringsomething you should know all about, Trajan said, perhaps sensing Titus irritability. It was true, military strategy was certainly something Titus knew well. He had served in the Roman Legion for many years, even rising to the rank of Centurion before his eventual retirement. Strategy is important, no doubt, replied Titus. But sometimes in the heat of battle, overanalyzing can be detrimental to ones successinstinctive and bold action has a place on the battlefield as well. And besides, I dont have all night to finish this affairfrom what I hear you have quite the situation on your hands.

Roman Board Games. IR. G. Austin Greece & Rome , Vol. 4, No. 10 (Oct., 1934), pp. 24-34. Latrunculi (soldier-game) was a popular board game played by the Romans. It was played on a board with 7x8 spaces, although the size sometimes varied. The goal was to capture the opponents pieces, which was done by surrounding it on two sides by your own pieces.

Sweeney 2 Indeed, I do, said Trajan. Thats why youre here of course. I have received word from one of my informants2 that a few of my wretched slaves plan to rebel in the near future. Any idea when? asked Titus, as he moved a glass piece of his own forward. I am told as soon as this evening. Thats why I sought to retain you so hastily, said Trajan. Titus had arrived to Trajans ludus, a school for gladiators, only a few hours earlier. Since retiring from the military he did various freelance jobs; usually involving the protection of wealthy nobles. He had gained a reputation around Rome as a reliable guardian, and was compensated well for his services. Along with him, he employed a group of nearly two dozen other men, most of them ex-military as well. Wild beasts, the whole lot! Trajan continued, angrily. I have given my life to this ludus, only to have these vile scum plot against my very life. These men are but wild dogshow dare they rise up against a highly regarded Roman such as myself. Titus sat in silence for a moment. The Lanista had a good reason to be upset, but based on his tone, and the way he seemed to view his slaves, perhaps some kind of resistance was inevitable. If I may inquire, how do you normally go about managing your slaves, Trajan? he asked. I instill obedience to these men in the same way a man would train a dog, he replied. I allow them as much food as they want to sustain strength for their training. I reward my best

Douglas 353. Portrays the idea that slaveholders often used spies to get a better understanding of their slaves. Slaves knew this, and as a result did not usually discus or criticize the master openly. Speaking aloud about a rebellious plot would be extremely risky as well.

Sweeney 3 men with fine clothing; at least when compared to the garments given the lesser men.3 I will also grant my slaves a woman from time to time, for good behavior. Bad behavior is of course punishedoftentimes severely. Well, thats certainly one way of doing things, said Titus. As far as Im concerned, its the only way of doing things, replied Trajan. Slaves, just like dogs need to be rewarded, otherwise they will grow disobedient and hostile. One also has to be careful not to treat them too favorably, lest they forget their place. It is a difficult balance, indeed. Trajan moved one of his glass pieces away from the rest of his formation. It was an attempt to sacrifice the piece, and bait Titus into opening up his tightly formed battalion. The move might work on a novice player, but not Titus. He ignored the piece and continued his attack into his opponents mandra with his eyes set on the goal: the clausa moenia.4 Wine? asked Trajan. Not tonight, replied Titus. I dont drink on duty. When dealing in matters such as this, I find it best to have a clear mind. Probably the best decision, for both of our sakes, Trajan said as he filled his chalice with red wine.

Wiedemann 205. Xenophon, The Householder, 13. Tells of a masters philosophy on how a slave should be treated. They should be treated as beasts, but rewarded enough to encourage good behavior. 4 The mandra (blockade) was a tight formation that a good player would maintain to avoid his pieces from being surrounded and captured. Capturing the moenia (citadel) was the goal of the game, similar to the king in chess.
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Sweeney 4 Your slaves, Titus said, do you intend to grant any of them their freedom after years of service, or perhaps allow them to purchase it? You seem very interested in the way I manage my slaves, Trajan replied. Perhaps you wish to own some yourself someday? But in regards to your inquiry, no, I do not allow manumission for my slaves. It would take extraordinary circumstances for me to grant that, he finished. Therein lies your problem, said Titus. If these slaves are subjected to brutal punishments, with no hope of freedom someday, do you expect that a good meal or expensive garment will satisfy them? I fear that What do you know about slaves and their desires? interrupted Trajan angrily. I already told you, these men are but wild beasts, only concerned for material pleasures. They think only of their next meal, their next kill in the arena, and the next woman theyll lay with. They are not even fit to daydream of concepts like freedom. Titus laughed aloud. He could not help himself. The truth was that he was actually a former slave, himself. He had been fortunate; years ago, an uprising at a local town had caught the Romans off guard, and they were desperate for men. They were willing to grant slaves their freedom in exchange for military service.5 Titus jumped at the opportunity and ended up making a career out of it. The military was a place where even a slave could gain a respectable position. It was not like politics, for example, where family name and social connections were of utmost importance. On the battlefield, results are what really mattered.

Wiedemann 63. Code of Theodosius, 7, 13.16. Tells of how in a time of crisis, Romans would grant slaves freedom in exchange for military service.

Sweeney 5 Tell me Trajan, do you really think a slave, whether through birth or capture, is any less a man than you or I? Titus asked. Are we not all made of the same flesh, have the same basic needs and wants? Do you truly believe this Roman rhetoric? He continued to move his glass pieces together in a tight formation toward his opponent. He also moved one away from the others, in an attempt to fool Trajan into targeting it, which would leave him vulnerable. This technique would ensure a quick victory, if not countered properly. A good player knew when to feint and when to attack directly. We share the same flesh, undoubtedly, but the mind is what separates us, my friend, Trajan said. As noble Romans, we are concerned with civilizing the mind. We were meant to rule over these men; it benefits not only us, but also them.6 Trajan captured Titus isolated piece, putting it in a bag, along with the other captured ones. There was just no getting through to Trajan, Titus thought. Some men were so set in their ways, and so immersed in the Roman culture that they were blinded to basic reason. Captured slaves were not inferior, they were unlucky. They were born into towns or villages that Rome decided to conquer. It was ludicrous to think that mere luck or chance could determine someones worth or status as a human being, at least to Titus anyway.7 Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps these men act like savages because they are treated as such? Titus said. Even the most warm, and tender-hearted of people cannot live like

Aristotle: Politics. Aristotle held the normative view that slaves were morally inferior to their masters. He argued that it was beneficial for not only the masters to have slaves but also for the slave to be ruled by a master. 7 Wiedemann 238. Seneca, Letters, 47. Tells of how Seneca believes slaves should be treated as human beings, and that Romans adopt an arrogant attitude towards their slaves to elevate their status amongst other Romans. Raises the idea that masters are fellow-slaves who were granted luck by Chance.

Sweeney 6 this and remain unchanged.8 How is a man that is commanded to spill blood within the arena for the pleasure of the Romans expected to behave in a dignified manner? Will he not lose a bit of his humanity when hes subjected to the life of an animal? Let me tell you something, Lanista, I have seen enough war to know that men behave in very brutish ways at timeseven Romans, he continued. Ive seen entire towns ravaged; men, women, and even children slaughtered like cattle. Trajan eyed him carefully, but remained silent. He then watched in awe as Titus broke through his mandra. He had not seen that coming, that was for sure. With his blockade destroyed it was now only a matter of time before Titus would win and become imperator.9 Trajan signed deeply. Well played, friendit would seem you got the best of me tonight. Now look here, Titus lectured. Do you understand why I was able to win? Why of course, replied Trajan. You deceived me by setting up a trap. I thought only of my next move and realized my mistake too late. I left myself vulnerable, and here I sit, defeated. That is true, said Titus. I used my piece as a pawn, to gain advantage. By sacrificing the soldier, the rest were able to rise up and grow more powerful. I understand the concept quite well, replied Trajan.

Douglass 367. Tells of Douglass mistress whose kind and loving demeanor was transformed by slavery: Slavery soon proved its ability to divest her of these heavenly qualities. 9 The winner of Latrunculi was declared the imperator. Oftentimes, the best way to get an opponent to open up their mandra (formation) was to sacrifice a piece.
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Sweeney 7 Im not sure you do, said Titus. Let me elaborate. You see, in a hierarchy, there are those who do what they can, and those who suffer what they must.10 Surely, said Trajan. Citizens and slavesis that what youre getting at? Yes, but it goes further than that, replied Titus. Do you truly view yourself as a man in power, able to do as he pleases? What are you trying to say, said Trajan in an annoyed tone. I own this ludus, as well as over 100 gladiators, and am widely respected throughout Rome. What Im saying is that even you, a widely respected citizen in Rome, must bend a knee to those of higher authority, Titus said. We are all pawns, Trajan, it is merely a matter of degree. Degree? asked Trajan. What I mean is that we live in a hierarchy, said Titus. You may be further up the ladder than a slave, but you still do not enjoy complete freedom. A ridiculous comparison, said Trajan. Of course, there are people of higher position than me, but there is nothing to stop me from climbing the ladder, and furthermore I do not have a master who decides my every action. Perhaps not, Titus admitted. But, when you seek patronage, for example, must you not comply with every command given you? But enough of this discussion, I have a favor to ask of you.

A famous quote by the Greek historian Thucydides. Conveys a realism view of the world, in which people are motivated by power.
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Sweeney 8 And what would that be? asked Trajan. I would like to see the slaves responsible for this supposed plot. A curious request, but I suppose we could pay a visit to their quarters if you so desire, Trajan answered. Just one thing though, he added. Make no mention of your knowledge of the rebellion. Of course not, said Titus. Trajan led Titus out of the villa and into a rough looking building that had to be where the gladiators lived. They walked through several hallways, dimly lit by torches, descending downwards. Im taking you to the cell where Crixus resides, Trajan said. He is the champion of this ludus, and is looked upon with great respect by the rest of the gladiators. If any kind of rebellion took place, he would surely be the one behind it. Crixus, you say? said Titus. I believe Ive heard the name spoken before. His reputation in the arena is unmatched, is it not? He is the greatest champion that my house has ever had. I fear no man in the Republic would stand a chance with him on the sands of the arena. But this news of a plot is deeply troubling. If Crixus were to have a hand in it, Im afraid he would have to be put down, along

Sweeney 9 with the rest of the dogs.11 It would be tragic to see such a profitable commodity wasted like that, Trajan said. Perhaps I could talk some sense into the man, offered Titus. They continued their descent into the quarters, passing a room with a giant bath, and several holding cells. Titus drew curious looks from the gladiators as he walked by. They eventually arrived at their destination. It was a lone cell, but there was something different about it. Titus was not sure what it was, but he could feel a certain amount of fury within the cell; this man was surely alive. Crixus, rise! said Trajan. I have a man here who wishes to have a word with you. Although the cell was dark, Titus could see the shape of a man rise from the cot in the corner of the cell. Even with the poor lighting, it was clear this was a very powerful man. He was heavily muscled, and walked with a certain grace and upright posture that one would normally not expect from a slave. If you would, Trajan, I wish to speak to this man alone, said Titus. Alone? asked Trajan. To what purpose I wonder? He took Trajan aside, out of earshot from Crixus. I find that slaves are much more open and talkative when the master is not around. I need but a few minutes with the man, grant me this, Titus said. Very well, but be quick about it, replied Trajan as he disappeared down the hall.
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Wiedemann 180. Digest 29, 5. Speaks about Roman law requiring the interrogation, torture, and execution of all slaves within earshot of the murder of master. Thought to motivate slaves to protect their master at all costs.

Sweeney 10 Crixus, is it? asked Titus. Yesthat is what they call me, Crixus said in a deep voice. What business do you have with me? He looked Titus directly in the eyes. Titus had seen those eyes before. He had seen them on the battlefield during his time in the military. They were the eyes of a fierce warrior. And in them burned a fire that yearned for something: freedom perhaps? Im here to warn you, Titus said. Your master has been informed by one of your fellow slaves that a plot against his life has been planned. You would do best to abandon the idea because I assure you, it will only end in death for you and the rest of your brothers. And not just any death, but the worst kind; crucifixion.12 Crixus eyed him suspiciously. Why are you telling me this? he asked. I do not wish to see lives lost for such a hopeless cause, I suppose, answered Titus. What do you care about the lives of slaves, Roman? Crixus asked, his voice rising. And to call our cause hopeless? Hopeless is wasting away in this ludus, being treated like wild beasts, and being sent to our deaths for the entertainment of you despicable people. Titus was surprised at the mans boldness. Slaves normally never spoke to citizens in a manner like this, for fear that he would relay the message back to the master.13 I was a slave once, said Titus. I was fortunate to gain my freedom legitimately. I fear that is the only way it can be attained. You see, even if you were able to escape this ludus, do you truly believe you

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Wiedemann 232. Appian, Roman Civil Wars. Talks of how captured slaves were executed by crucifixion. This was meant to punish them, but also to deter other slaves from rebelling. 13 Douglass 371. Talks of how slaves were often very wary about trust outsiders. Douglass does not trust white men when they encourage him to escape, because it was a possibility that they were deceiving him.

Sweeney 11 could overpower, or even avoid the Roman forces which would pursue you? Think about it, Crixus, it is a foolish endeavor. Why lead your men to an inevitable slaughter? What other choice do I have? said Crixus. I would rather die proud, knowing I at least tried to gain my freedom than to waste away here in misery. You said you were a slave, but how long ago was this? Time has a way of making us forget things. Do you even recall what it feels like to be forced to serve a man, especially one as treacherous as Trajan? I remember quite well, answered Titus. I understand your passion and feelings of impotence, and my advice to you is this. Win your freedom in the arena. It may sound ridiculous, but it is feasible. You have been champion for years now. It is not unheard of for great gladiator to be granted the rudis for an exemplary showing in the arena. Once free, you could gain position, and even buy the freedom of some of the men in this ludus, if you desired. This is the only way for you, Crixus, he finished. You have reason, but how much more blood would I have to spill in the arena before this is granted? said Crixus. 10 victories? 20? Maybe even 50 more? No man in the Republic has a chance of defeating me at the moment, but ten years from now? It is all too uncertain for me. I would rather be in control of my fate, he said. Very well Crixus, but be warned, your plot will be thwarted, even if by the grace of Jupiter you make it out of this ludus alive. Your master has hired me as a precautionary measure, and even though I sympathize with your cause, do not think I wont kill you myself if I have to. I have given you my advice, and will now take my leave. He walked down the dimly light hallway, certain that he had spoken some sense into the man. He hoped he would not have to follow through on his word to kill Crixus himself.

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