''Speaking'' Collars

By Crusader1307

As We have seen, being a ''Slave of Rome'' was NOT always the life of priviledge (depending on One's skill and education). Wealthy Roman Masters often sought out highly educated Slaves to serve as Teachers and related for a Family. These types were often well dressed and fed (almost - in time, as ''One of The Family''). However, most Roman Slaves served as Laborers or (far worse) as Gladiators. again as we have seen, this type of Slave live a life of violence and death (more often death). As a means of identifying a Roman Slave, Masters commonly ''marked'' their ''property'' as their own. in pre-Republic Era days, Slaves were commonly branded with hot irons (bearing their Master's House Name). This was in case a Slave was stolen or (more than likely) - ran away (or attempted in most cases). By the Imperial Era of Rome, ''branding'' for Common Slaves (non-State Criminals) was seen as immoral. As such a new style of identifying them was sought. Enter what Historians call ''Speaking Collars''. To be sure, these ''necklaces'' did NOT actually speak, but bore ''information'' for anyone ''finding'' an errant Slave. These Collars were made of metal and sealed so as to not allow them to be removed. They had writing on either one or both sides concerning the slave in question. Warnings such as ''Hold Me or I will Run...I am a Slave of...'' with The House name and location was placed (very much as a modern animal collar would read). Often, to entice return - a nominal reward was promised.