Vedius Pollio
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Publius Vedius Pollio was a Roman of equestrian rank, and a friend of the Roman emperor Augustus, who appointed him to a position of authority in the province of Asia. In later life, he became infamou
Coin depicting Vedius Pollio (left)
Villa of Vedius Pollio, Posillipo
Inscription recording Pollio's dedication of the Caesareum at Beneventum (CIL IX 1556)
Slavery in ancient Rome
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Slavery played an important role in the society and economy of ancient Rome. Unskilled or low-skill slaves labored in the fields, mines, and mills with few opportunities for advancement and little cha
Vedius Pollio
…who appointed him to a position of authority in the province of Asia. In later life, he became infamous for his luxurious tastes and cruelty to his slaves – when they displeased him, he had them fed to "lampreys" that he maintained for that purpose, which was deemed to be an exceedingly cruel act. When…
Roman mosaic from Dougga, Tunisia (2nd/3rd century AD): Two large slaves carrying wine jars each wear an amulet against an evil eye on a necklace, with one in a loincloth (left) and the other in an exomis; the young slave to the left carries water and towels, and the one on the right a bough and a basket of flowers.
Romans Passing under the Yoke (1858) by Charles Gleyre, imagining the subjugation of Romans following their defeat by the Helvetii around 107 BC (Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts)
Shapur I employed enslaved Roman engineers, craftsmen, and labor for his monumental building program at such sites as Naqsh-e Rostam, present-day Iran.
Detail of relief (lower left above) depicting the Roman emperor Valerian (sometimes identified as Philip the Arab) submitting to Shapur I