In which way was the practice of slavery damaging to the Roman Empire?

A.
Roman slavery made other nations see Rome as wicked.
B.
Slaves had to be fed and sheltered, which hurt the Roman economy.
C.
It was difficult to determine who was a slave and who was free.
D.
There were fewer jobs available for free Roman citizens.

1 answer

The most fitting answer to how the practice of slavery was damaging to the Roman Empire is:

D. There were fewer jobs available for free Roman citizens.

The large reliance on slave labor reduced employment opportunities for free citizens, which could lead to social unrest and economic disparities within the society. This reliance on slaves for labor could also hinder innovation and the development of new industries, as the availability of cheap labor might diminish the incentive for free citizens to work or invent new solutions.