Part 1. The Oppressive Life of a Roman Slave Boy - Dignity Stripped

Later that week, a woman burst into the room, her face set with fury. She fixed me with a burning glare before striding over and striking me sharply across the face.

It was Sirs wife.

She asked her husband what I was. He said I was his slave.

She struck me again, this time across the other cheek, and demanded to know why I was looking at her. Sir answered for me, saying it was because she was beautiful.

Her eyes narrowed. She told me I had no right to look at her and ordered me to leave. As I turned to go, she kicked me sharply from behind.

She departed after a few hours. I did not see her often, but whenever she appeared, it was only to punish me.

On another occasion the wife came over to see him. She bought their children, a boy and a girl. At this time I was brushing and tidying outside, while they all walked past with her two slaves, a man and a woman.

I forgot, but the rule was to immediately stand by as they passed, with my head bowed.

I think the wife saw me keep brushing and thought I was disrespectful. A moment later the two slaves came out and walked over to me, they were both much older, perhaps in their thirties.

They pulled me towards them and asked why I did not stand and bow to the guests. I said I forgot and was sorry. They went back to her and sir, and then a moment later returned with sir, madam and the whip.

I said I was sorry but to no avail.

The housekeeper bound my hands and I was tied to the whipping hole. I did not have time to tighten my underwear wrap which had been my only cloth for many months. I also knew if had many holes and may not stand the punishment.

Sir said to give me ten to help me remember.

Both the male and female slave took turns to strike me. Both the children were also outside and allowed to watch. While the slaves worked away on me, sir, madam and their children stood in front of me and could see the anguish and pain on my face. Even the children did not pity me and just looked at me impassively as if I wasn’t a person.

After a few strikes I could feel the wrap loosen and drop down my loins. I saw the girl laughing and then I heard her ask her brother why I had some hair down there. He laughed and said he did not know.

Madam noticed this interaction and told the children to go inside. After a  few more lashes the wrap gave way and fell to the ground.

Sir looked happy and enjoyed the spectacle. Madam looked angry but also seemed to enjoy the pain. She said it was disgusting for the children to see me like this and for the children to see my pubic hair, she said never again. I was made to wrap again and carry on clearing the yard.

Forced naked into blistering sun and biting cold, I crouched in the sand, hiding my nakedness as others watched and laughed.

By now my nude body was becoming quite common amongst the staff and my owner. I felt humiliated but helpless. I did all I was asked to do and thought I was doing a good job, but was always being punished. Now the abuse was only going to get worse.