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Curiosities of ancient Rome (Historical sources)
Historical sources are curiosities about the materials on which knowledge of ancient Rome is based. This category includes lesser-known facts and interesting information related to the works of ancient authors, inscriptions, documents, coins, and other sources that allow us to reconstruct the history of the Roman Empire.
Fate of a Satyricon-based slave
The position of a slave in the Roman world is well illustrated in a fragment of the work – Satyricon, whose authorship is attributed to Gaius Petronius – the first-century expert in good taste and artistic values. The author describes how one of the characters in the work, a certain Trimalchion – a freedman who achieved freedom and wealth with hard work and perseverance – clicks on his slave with his fingers. The slave brings a potty, which master can use for defecation. Then he brings a bowl of water to wash his hands.
