The Legacy of Slavery After the Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Slavery, a practice commonly associated with the ancient and early medieval periods, persisted and evolved in various forms long after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This evolution led to the emergence of new systems of labor and social organization, such as serfdom. This article delves into the post-Roman period to explore how slavery transitioned and how it continued to impact European society.

Slavery and Serfdom: A Transitional Era

With the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the extensive large-scale slave farms that were prevalent during the late Roman period began to disappear. The intricate infrastructure required to support such operations waned, making the continuation of massive slave plantations economically unfeasible. However, this did not spell the end of slavery; it merely transformed into a more subdued and localized form.

While the big slave farms declined, smaller-scale slavery continued under wealthy landowners. These individuals retained a few slaves to handle menial tasks, but the bulk of agricultural production was performed by serfs. Unlike slaves, who were owned by individuals or institutions, serfs were legally bound to the land they worked on but were not entirely free. This system, known as serfdom, marked a significant evolution from the free labor and ownership of slaves during the Roman era.

Historical Examples and Legacy

The legacy of slavery persisted in various historical instances, highlighting the persistence and gradual transformation of human bondage.

Special Case: St. Augustine and St. Patrick: Before becoming Pope Gregory, the young priest witnessed the sale of English (Anglo-Saxon) children at the Roman Forum. This incident illustrates the continued existence of a slave trade even in the early medieval period. St. Patrick, a Briton, was himself abducted by Irish slaves, a testament to the prevalence of such practices. After gaining freedom, St. Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the pagan inhabitants, and later, the Vikings conducted slave raids in both Ireland and Great Britain, taking captives to be sold abroad.

Evolution and Ban on Slavery

The transition to serfdom and the eventual abolition of slavery were a gradual process that spanned centuries.

A Varian Influence: In the 600s, the Avars, a group of Slavic tribes, and their slaves began raiding other non-aligned Slavs and selling them in western European cities. This period also saw a shift in terminology, with the Latin word for slave, servus, changing to sclavus, which is the origin of the word "Slav." Consequently, this period is closely linked with the modern term and language related to this ethnic group. Frankish Activity: The Franks also participated in raiding and seizing Slavic captives. One notable figure was Samo, a Frankish merchant who was so adept at negotiations that he was elected King of the Slavs by the tribal chiefs, uniting them against the Franks and Avars. His efforts led to a temporary cessation of raids. Church Involvement: Pope Zachary played a significant role in the beginning of the 8th century by banning the trafficking of slaves. This marked a symbolic turning point in the moral stance against slavery.

Despite efforts to eradicate slavery, it remained a prominent feature in the Mediterranean region. Christianity and Islam frequently engaged in raiding each other, with both sides capturing and trading slaves. Even the Knights of Malta maintained a large slave market in their territories.

Abolition and Final Freeing

The complete abolition of slavery across Europe was a protracted process. The first European country to abandon the practice was the Republic of Ragusa, now Dubrovnik, which banned slavery in 1416. Romania, on the other hand, took the longest and finally freed its slaves in 1864, marking the final release of the Roma/ Gypsy people from bondage.

In conclusion, the fall of the Western Roman Empire did not signify the immediate end of slavery. Instead, it marked the beginning of a transitional period where the practice evolved into new forms, most notably serfdom. The legacy of slavery continued to shape European society long after the decline of the Roman Empire, leading to the eventual abolition of the practice in different regions.