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Prisoner of Privilege: Libertus, the Mystery of Roman Britain

Houston Powell

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Published in Prisoner Of Privilege A (A Libertus Mystery Of Roman Britain 18)

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A Stone Carving Depicting Libertus, A Roman Slave Who Rose To Prominence In Britain. Prisoner Of Privilege A (A Libertus Mystery Of Roman Britain 18)

The story of Libertus is a captivating tale of resilience, ambition, and the complexities of life within the Roman Empire. Born a slave, Libertus rose to become a high-ranking military officer in Roman Britain, serving as a centurion in the Legio II Augusta. His life, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, has been pieced together through archaeological discoveries and historical records, providing us with a glimpse into the extraordinary journey of a man who defied the odds.

Early Life and Enslavement

The exact origins of Libertus remain unknown, but it is believed that he was born into slavery in the Roman province of Gaul. As a slave, he would have faced a life of hardship and oppression, with little opportunity for advancement. However, Libertus possessed a keen intellect and an unyielding determination to improve his lot.

Prisoner of Privilege A (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain 18)

Prisoner of Privilege, A (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain Book 18)

by Rosemary Rowe

4.6 out of 5

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Through unknown means, Libertus was transported to Roman Britain, where he came into contact with the Legio II Augusta, one of the most prestigious legions in the Roman army. The legion was stationed at the fortress of Isca Augusta (modern-day Caerleon in Wales),a vital outpost on the frontier of the Roman Empire.

Military Service

Despite his slave status, Libertus saw an opportunity for advancement within the ranks of the Roman army. The legions were always in need of skilled and experienced soldiers, and Libertus's intelligence and determination caught the attention of his superiors. He was granted the rare privilege of being trained as a legionary, a position normally reserved for freeborn citizens.

Libertus excelled in his military training, quickly rising through the ranks. His exceptional leadership skills and tactical prowess earned him the respect of his fellow soldiers and the recognition of his commanders. In time, he was promoted to the rank of centurion, a position of significant authority and prestige within the legion.

A Mosaic of Contradictions

The life of Libertus was a paradox of privilege and disadvantage. As a slave, he was at the bottom of the social hierarchy, yet as a centurion, he commanded the respect and obedience of his troops. He served in the legions of the Roman Empire, the most powerful military force in the world, but he himself was not a free man.

This duality is reflected in the archaeological record. A number of inscriptions have been found in Britain that bear Libertus's name, indicating his high status within the Roman military. However, his name is also recorded on a slave collar, a grim reminder of his former condition.

The Mystery of Libertus

The exact circumstances surrounding Libertus's emancipation remain unknown. It is possible that he was granted his freedom as a reward for his military service, or that he purchased his own freedom through the accumulation of wealth. Whatever the case may be, Libertus's rise from slavery to centurion is a testament to his extraordinary character and determination.

Despite the historical evidence that has been uncovered, many aspects of Libertus's life remain shrouded in mystery. We do not know his true origins, the reasons for his enslavement, or the circumstances of his emancipation. These unanswered questions only add to the intrigue surrounding this enigmatic figure.

Legacy

Libertus's story is a powerful reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of life within the Roman Empire. He was a slave who rose to prominence, a prisoner who became a leader, a man who lived on the fringes of society yet left an enduring mark on history.

Libertus's legacy lives on in the archaeological record and in the annals of Roman history. He is a symbol of the resilience of the human spirit, a testament to the power of ambition, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

The story of Libertus, the Prisoner of Privilege, is a captivating tale of mystery, ambition, and triumph. It is a story that challenges our preconceptions about slavery, privilege, and the nature of freedom. Through his extraordinary life, Libertus left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and intrigue to this day.

Prisoner of Privilege, A (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain Book 18)

by Rosemary Rowe

4.6 out of 5