What does "verna" refer to in the context of slavery?

The term "verna" refers specifically to a home-born slave. In ancient Roman society, "vernae" were slaves who were born into slavery rather than being captured or sold into it. This distinction is important because home-born slaves often had different social statuses and experiences compared to those who were brought in from outside. They were typically raised within the household they served and sometimes enjoyed closer relationships with their owners or a more stable environment than field slaves, who worked in harsher conditions and had less direct interaction with their owners.

This understanding of "verna" highlights the complexities of slavery in Roman culture, where not all slaves were treated or experienced the same conditions. Field slaves, gladiators, and domestic workers represent different roles within the broader category of slavery, but "verna" specifically identifies those who were born into that status.