19. Whatever Your Complaints About Your Dad, At Least He Didn’t Sell You Into Slavery
The law of ancient Rome also granted fathers the right to sell their children into slavery. It was not the kind of thing that was done as a matter of routine, but typically happened only in dire circumstances, when hard-pressed patriarchs sought to ease their burdens. While the practice was not widespread, it did take place from time to time.
For what it was worth for the kids, a Roman father’s right to sell his children was not absolute. Three times was the charm: a Roman father could only sell his kids thrice. Assuming the kids regained their freedom after each instance of their dad selling them into slavery, they were deemed forever free from his familial authority after the third time.
Also Read: The Weirdest Ways Children Were Treated in History.