Slavery in ancient Rome played an important role in society and the economy. It also differed from its modern forms. It was not based on ideas of race. It was still a very abusive and degrading institution. Slaves in Rome included prisoners of war, sailors captured, and sold by pirates. In Rome it was not uncommon for desperate Roman citizens to raise money by selling their children into slavery. Slaves worked everywhere, in private households, mines and factories, and on farms. They could have also worked for city governments on engineering projects. Slaves were considered property under Roman law and had no legal personhood. They also had no rights and were subject to their owner’s whims. Many harsh masters believed that every slave was an