Why read Conquerors and Slaves?

Book cover of Conquerors and Slaves

Book description

The enormous size of the Roman empire and the length of time it endured call for an understanding of the institutions which sustained it. In this book, Keith Hopkins, who is both classicist and sociologist, uses various sociological concepts and methods to gain new insights into how traditional Roman institutions…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Conquerors and Slaves as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Jerry Toner

Author

Keith Hopkins was Professor of Ancient History when I was a student and his brilliant courses on ancient papyrus evidence made me want to do a PhD. I then fell out with him big-time but his book on how the Roman slave system worked is still an inspiration. In incredibly clear language he spells out how the slaves generated by conquest were recycled into the broader economic system in a way that seems obvious.

From Jerry's list on The best books about Roman slavery.