Chapter 23: Discussing Agriculture

Chapter 23: Discussing Agriculture

Even though these children ranged from the eldest at 14 years old to the youngest at only 10 years old, Maximus didnt feel like he was exploiting child labor by making them work at such a young age. After all, this wasnt the developed modern society, but the ancient Western world dominated by Romans. Here, they didnt have carefree childhoods, but only suffering and oppression. If they didnt want to become mere beasts earning money for their slave owners, they had to grow up quickly and bravely fight for survival.

Returning to the front yard, Maximus saw Pigres leading the wagon drivers, guiding the horses as they were about to leave through the gate.

Be careful out there and come back safely! Maximus reminded them.

Captain, only the members of the First Team are going out today. The other three teams are said to be staying here, Pigres whispered, sounding somewhat puzzled.New novel chapters are published on

We have just discussed this yesterday and today they already started implementing it. Spartacus really moves fast Maximus thought to himself, comfortingly saying, Its fine. This will be the norm from now on. One team goes out, and the other teams will train in the camp.

After Pigres left, Maximus climbed up to the rooftop of the main building once again. From there, he observed the gladiators who were serving as squad leaders in the camp surrounding the farm. They were shouting, cursing, beating, and kicking while directing their new recruits. The squad leaders then handed each of them a wooden stick and instructed them to diligently strike the tree stumps that had already been felled

The practice of striking the wooden stumps was the basic training for gladiators, and now it was being applied to the new recruits.

Maximus really wanted to go to the camp and observe the training of the new recruits, but he had other matters to attend to at the moment.

Vorenus entered the room and saw Maximus sitting at the edge of the bed.

Vorenus had only joined the rebellion two days ago, and the only high-ranking member he knew was this young man. When he recounted his own experiences in the courtyard the other night, the comforting words from this young man had left a favorable impression on him.

So youre saying that the influx of grain from various Roman provinces into Italy is the main reason for the widespread bankruptcy of farmers in Italian towns? Maximus continued to inquire.

The farmers throughout Italy? This Im not too sure about that, but I do know that in Capua, some farmers have accumulated debts and lost their land because of this. Farming not only requires seeds but also a lot of tools, such as oxen, horses, plows, hoes, sickles Farmers cannot make these things themselves; they need to buy them from the market. However, if their grains cannot be sold, they cannot earn money to purchase these tools and can only borrow money from others. If there is a drought and the grain harvest is bad, they even need to borrow money to buy seeds for the next year.

However, the money they borrowed is all from usurers! It accumulates more and more, and in the end, they can only sell their land to repay the debt. Some people sell their land, but its still not enough, so they have to sell themselves Sigh, its not easy for farmers nowadays! Vorenus sighed heavily.

Although Maximus had already pondered over this issue, there was still a sense of joy in his heart because the author of this book was Cato, as mentioned in the self-introduction on the front page. He was certain that it was the same Cato who constantly cursed the Carthage. Even though this book was written in Catos later years, around 30 to 40 years ago, it meant that the plight of Italian farmers had already emerged back then.

Maximus let out a gentle sigh, glanced at the papyrus in his hand, and asked in a deep voice, This book also mentions the practice of continuously mating male and female slaves like livestock, and then training their children from a young age to be sold Is there really someone engaged in such a slave industry?

Vorenus fell silent for a moment and replied, I have heard my former master talk about it. There are indeed nobles in Rome involved in this kind of slave trade because captured slaves are often disobedient. Homebred slaves with skills are more desirable, and naturally, they command higher prices In fact, I am a homebred slave myself because my parents were originally slaves of my masters household.

Although in these past few days, Maximus had witnessed and heard about various cruel exploitations and oppressions carried out by slave owners during this era, he had grown somewhat accustomed to it. Yet, at this moment, he still felt a heavy discomfort in his chest. In his previous life, he had learned about this Roman senator, Cato, who had been consistently shouting Carthage must be destroyed. Although he was known for his stubbornness, he was a follower of Stoicism, leading a simple and modest life, and emphasizing reason and equality for all. However, looking at what he wrote in this book: the tools used on the farm are divided into two types: those who can speak and those who cannot, and slaves belong to the speaking ones and so on, even Cato had such views, let alone other Roman patricians.

This evil slave society! Maximus couldnt help but curse in his heart.

CapCaptain, what book is that in your hand? Vorenus cautiously asked out of curiosity.

This is De Agri Cultura written by Marcus Porcius Cato. I found it in one of the rooms after we captured this farm, Maximus replied, handing over the papyrus in his hand.

The Cato family from Rome? Ive heard my former master talk about them. This Roman family is known for their expertise in agricultural management! Vorenus said with a look of joy as he eagerly started reading the papyrus.