slavery in the roman empire was a brutal institution that played a major role in the economy and society:  life: slaves were the property of their owners, who could sell or rent them out at any time. they were often whipped, branded, or cruelly mistreated. owners could also kill them for any reason, and would face no punishment.  jobs: slaves performed a wide range of jobs, including domestic work, agriculture, mining, and gladiatorship. some slaves worked in what would now be considered white-collar jobs, such as teaching or accounting.  social standing: slaves could add to their owners' social standing as symbols of wealth.  escape: slaves could sometimes escape through resistance, such as open revolt or flight. roman society was also generous with manumission.  slaves and their owners: owners thought of their slaves as enemies.  slaves and their treatment: some slaves were treated well, but physical punishment and sexual abuse were common.  slaves and their origins: enslaved people could come from within or outside the roman empire. for example, the city of ephesus (on the coast of modern-day turkey) was a center for the roman slave trade
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