Most slaves in ancient Rome were acquired through warfare, with Roman armies bringing captives back as part of the reward. Turning defeated soldiers into slaves brought much income, and would also serve as an alternative to imprisoning or killing them. Slave ownership was most widespread throughout the Roman citizenry from the second Punic War (218 to 201 BC) through the 4th century AD.
Slaves were freed for a variety of reasons; for a particularly good deed toward the slave's owner, or out of friendship or respect. Slaves were also freed through testamentary manumission, by a provision in an owner's will at his death. After emancipation, the former slave was free to make his or her own way in life.
The process for which slaves became free citizens in ancient Rome was called manumission, which also means, “sending out from the hand”. The process itself was a public spectacle. In Ancient Rome, a slave was freed by a master in a ceremony that included placing the pileus (a brimless hat) on the former slave’s shaved head. Among the Romans the cap of felt was the emblem of liberty. When a slave obtained his freedom he had his head shaved, and wore instead of his hair an undyed pileus. (“Slavery in ancient Rome”; pbs.org)
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