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"The ancient Romans did not judge people based on ethnicity nor did it
influence the status an individual could achieve within the Roman
Empire, a new exhibit in England contends."
"She said soldiers could rise to senatorial status regardless of their
color or country of origin, as long as they were loyal to the empire."
"Slavery existed in ancient Rome, but both whites and blacks were traded
as slaves. "
"Slavery was an economic fact of life and was separate from racial
prejudice," said Allason-Jones, who explained that people praised black
Nubian slaves for their majestic appearance just as they valued blonde,
blue-eyed Greek slaves.
Prejudice did exist in Rome, but it took some rather surprising forms.
Allason-Jones said many Romans disliked men who wore earrings, despite
the fact that homosexuality among men seemingly was common and accepted.
Even Hadrian, whom Allason-Jones said was thought of as "a man's man,"
had an open relationship with another fellow, Antinous.
"(The Romans) seem to have considered effeminacy as being separate from
homosexuality," Allason-Jones said, "and the wearing of earrings was
seen as evidence of effeminacy."
She said Romans also had a strong sense of superiority. Anyone outside
of the empire was thought to be a "barbarian." Those within the empire
from other countries, however, apparently retained cultural traditions
from their native lands. Pottery displayed at the Newcastle exhibit
includes vessels that may have been used for cooking couscous and other
non-European foods."
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Interesting read.
It's probably not going to make CNN though *wry chuckle* :-)
-Gel
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