Question

question 12
3 pts
in 301 ce the emperor diocletian published the edict of maximum prices in an attempt to control inflation. it imposed severe penalties on those who charged more than the maximum prices. but the law could not be enforced and was revoked shortly afterwards. historians could use the chart to conclude .
types of slaves | prices
male slave — |
between the ages of 16 and 40 | 30,000 denarii
female of age above - specified | 25,000 denarii
man between 40 and 60 | 25,000 denarii
female of age above - specified | 20,000 denarii
boy between 8 and 16, also girl of age above - specified | 20,000 denarii
man over 60 or under 8 | 15,000 denarii
female of age above - specified | 10,000 denarii

○ slaves were valued more for their smarts than their strength
○ young slaves (but not too young) were the most valued
○ romans wanted people to be equal
○ romans valued foreign slaves more than domestic slaves

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the price chart of slaves:

• Male slaves between 16 - 40 cost 30,000 denarii (highest price).
• Other age groups (e.g., 40 - 60, over 60/under 8) or females have lower prices.
• Option 1: No info on "smarts" vs "strength" in the chart. Eliminate.
• Option 2: Younger slaves (16 - 40 males, 8 - 16 boys/girls) have higher prices than very young (under 8) or older (over 40) slaves. This matches the data.
• Option 3: The edict was about price control, not equality. Eliminate.
• Option 4: No info on foreign vs domestic slaves. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. Young slaves (but not too young) were the most valued