cinzia8 3 Report post Posted May 5, 2012 Hi all: I'm wondering if anyone knows if a male slave held in high regard might ever wear a pewter or gold earring, or would it absolutely be made of iron? Has anyone read, taught or studied about the lifestyle of Roman house slaves that might give me some reliable information or sources? Cinzia Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kosmo 5 Report post Posted May 6, 2012 A freedmen definitely, a slave probably. There was no dress code for slaves so they looked just like free people. Maybe sumptuary laws had an interdiction, but they were rarely enforced after the end of the Republic. Iron earrings? I doubt that existed. Iron rusts and rust is prime habitat for the tetanus bacteria that makes a nasty disease. Iron is also not very decorative. Bronze and pewter are more likely metals for cheap jewelry. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cinzia8 3 Report post Posted May 6, 2012 A freedmen definitely, a slave probably. There was no dress code for slaves so they looked just like free people. Maybe sumptuary laws had an interdiction, but they were rarely enforced after the end of the Republic. Iron earrings? I doubt that existed. Iron rusts and rust is prime habitat for the tetanus bacteria that makes a nasty disease. Iron is also not very decorative. Bronze and pewter are more likely metals for cheap jewelry. Thank you so much, Kosmo. I was wondering about this and thinking maybe pewter, but an acquaintance more into the Medieval time period told me iron. Today, I also found a snippet about bronze for common earrings, but nothing substantial. Thanks again. Cinzia Share this post Link to post Share on other sites