Question

4. Choose the correct option.
Assertion(A): Free labour was extensively used on public works at Rome precisely
because an extensive use of slave labour would have been too expensive
Reason(R): Unlike hired workers, slaves had to be fed and maintained throughout
the year, which increased the cost of holding this kind of labour
(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is incorrect but R is correct
(d) R is incorrect but A is correct.

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

Answer 2

The correct option is (a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.

• As battle fell out of favour with advent of peace in first century, the supply of slaves dwindled, forcing consumers of slave labour to turn to cheaper replacements like wage labour, which were replaceable.
• In reality, free workforce was often employed on various work projects in Rome generally as slaves seemed to be costlier.
• Slaves, unlike hired employees, had to be fed and cared for all year, which raised the expense of keeping this type of labour.
• This is most likely why slaves were not commonly used in later-period agriculture, at least not in the eastern provinces.