Understanding Manumission
Manumission is the act of freeing a slave from bondage or servitude. It was practiced in various societies throughout history as a means of granting freedom to individuals held in slavery.
Historical Context
In ancient Rome, manumission was a common practice where slave owners could voluntarily release their slaves by a formal legal process. This allowed slaves to gain their freedom and even become Roman citizens in some cases.
Types of Manumission
- Formal manumission through a legal process
- Testamentary manumission through a slave owner’s will
- Informal manumission through a verbal agreement
Examples of Manumission
One famous example of manumission is the story of the Roman slave and philosopher, Epictetus, who was freed by his master and went on to become a respected teacher.
Case Studies
In modern times, manumission still occurs in some parts of the world where slavery is still prevalent. Organizations like Anti-Slavery International work towards securing the freedom of enslaved individuals through manumission programs.
Statistics
According to the Global Slavery Index, there are an estimated 40.3 million people living in modern slavery today. Manumission plays a crucial role in allowing these individuals to break free from their oppressors.
