The Satyricon by Petronius offers a fascinating view into the society and culture of the Roman Empire during the 1st century. Slavery, in particular, is a centerpoint within the story due to the fact that in Roman society the practice was commonplace. Whether it be as servants, sexual objects, or signs of prosperity, The Satyricon provides insight into the roles slaves expected to play within Roman society, and it helps demonstrate how Romans viewed slaves at the time.
Before Eumolpus, Giton and Encolpius enter Croton, they decide upon a fictional tale to help in the quest to get rich quickly by extorting those “who pursue the makers of wills” ( ). Giton and Encolpius play the roles of slaves under Eumolpus, and both promise to, “like gladiators we dedicated ourselves utterly, body and soul, to the service of our master” ( ). This idea of dedicating oneself fully to their master was expected within Roman society. Slaves acted as servants to every whim and deserve of the master, the the tasks were expected to be done quickly and efficiently. An example of this efficiency and speed can be…show more content… The Roman practice of slavery was very different than how modern Americans see it. Within Roman society, slaves could become freedmen and work their way up as Trimalchio and his guests had done. This social mobility greatly affected how Romans viewed slaves. Slaves were expected to fill their role and do it without complaint, but as Trimalchio states, “slaves are human too” ( ). Although slaves were punished if they did something wrong or displeasing, Romans viewed the relationship between master and slave as having an underlying sense of love due to the fact that slaves were seen as human. Slaves wanted to please their master in return for praise, gifts and the potential of freedom being granted to them in their master’s
