“Be cautious in dealing with slaves, and remember that Romans regard slavery as an unfortunate affliction that might happen to anyone… Some slaves even go on to become the adopted children or heirs of their former owners.”
So wrote The Independent recently, in an extract from ‘Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day’, a fascinating new ‘travel guide’ that is surely destined to be added to the large pile of as-yet-unread books on our living room floor.
Where to start with such a theme? My mind’s spinning…
“Will you whip me now, sir, in the same way you did when I was a slave?”
Or “Take off your slave’s dress, young lady.”
Or even, “We have one remaining matter to deal with before I sign the paperwork confirming your new status. Bend over the table.”
Oh for a toga party…
Goddammit, you have hijacked my idea for my next birthday party Abel!