between two possible Greek roots: ergasterios "workshop" and ergastylos "pillar to which slaves are tethered."

Augustus instituted inspections of ergastula because travelers were being illegally seized and held in them. The ergastulum was made illegal during the reign of Hadrian as part of a series of reforms to improve conditions for slaves.

Columella in his De re rustica states that an underground ergastulum should be as healthful as possible and lit

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