Dépendants, esclaves, affranchis en milieu rural : Le cas de la colonie romaine de Béziers

Abstract

The article analyzes the social structure and forms of dependence among the rural population in the Roman colony of Béziers following the Roman conquest at the end of the 2nd century BCE. The author highlights the coexistence of classic Italic-style slavery with ancient, local Celtic practices, such as specific forms of patronage or bilingualism. Based on archaeological and epigraphical findings, it is demonstrated that while estate managers and artisans (e.g., potters) are clearly visible in the sources, the status of the masses of agricultural laborers working in the vineyards remains largely elusive.