The triumphal cart of the Roman troops pulled by the defeated barbarians.

The Romans built one of the most advanced and urban societies that ever existed. They dominated all the peoples and territories around the Mediterranean Sea. They imposed their domain, their currency, their commerce and their laws on the entire empire. Laws established the rights of Roman citizens, dominated peoples, and slaves. 

For the Romans slavery was a fundamental institution of society. Slaves were like animals, comparable to horses, oxen and pigs. As animals, slaves could fulfill the most varied roles and jobs.

This drawing shows the return to Rome of a troop from the northern border, which guards the domains over the barbarians of northern Europe. Their commanders come upon a cart that is a cage, carrying women, children, and the sages of the captured tribes. Above the cage, the commanders display the shields, weapons and treasures of the defeated tribes. 

Pulling the cart ten of the strongest warriors in chains are displayed to show the strength and virility of the defeated barbarians.

This set of ten slaves is part of the celebration of the strength of the defeated and the power of Rome. Their cocks were pierced and chained to show they lost their luck and potency. All of them have been blinded to show that they will never be able to fight again, that they have definitely become beasts of burden.

They are frightened by the roar of the crowd echoing in the city streets, they have never seen or heard a city of this size, and now they just feel it on their feet and listen to it`s sounds. The coachman with the long whip and the fork jabs, hurts and wounds the beasts' hide motivating and rhythmic their steps.

When the triumphal entry and parade is over, these human beasts can be sold for work or to be placed in the circus to feed the beasts.