They could trade in their own names, could make wills, could appear as witnesses or plaintiffs in court.

We hear of a father transferring his property to his daughter, reserving only the use of it during his life.

Polygamy was not common; indeed, we find it stipulated in one instance that in the case of a second marriage on the part of the husband the dowry of the first wife should be returned to her, and that she should be free to go where she would.

Of course these rules did not apply to concubines, who were often purchased.

Adoptions were frequent, and slaves could be adopted into the family of a freeman.
The large number of slaves caused the wages of the free labourer to be low.