Guest columnist When the tribune Publius Clodius first established a regular allotment of free grain for Roman citizens in 58 B.C., he began a policy that would last until the end of the Roman Empire.
This cura annonae, later augmented by other foodstuffs and at times by cash payments, was a necessary response to severe economic dislocation. The Roman labor force had shifted from yeoman farmers and unionized craftsmen to imported slaves.
Even "white toga" professionals felt the pinch. After all, it was cheaper to have an educated Greek slave tutor the kids.Thankfully, today our slaves are machines, robots and artificial […]
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