Viria Acte, born in Valentia Edetanorum, present-day Valencia, ca. 90 AD, was an extraordinary woman who, having been a slave, became a successful businesswoman. She was the owner of a statue workshop that she run herself and that became very prestigious. She received many compliments and honours due to her work and her contributions to the city of Valencia. 

Reading of a fragment belonging to a fictional story that recreates Viria's life as a young slave (our own translation of García Guerrero, Eva (2017). “Aras y estelas”. 30 mujeres fascinantes en la historia de Valencia. Valencia: Vinatea).  

Reading, reflection, search, debate. Creation of a daily shift. 
 
I-Read the proposed text carefully and then answer the questions. 
 
[…] My little Viria –continued Dominica-. Being a slave like you, I carded, spun, worked the wool from dawn to dusk. Later, in my lord Ursino's villa, I folded, stored, and cared for the clothes. Mine was patched over and over again. He was a just owner, but I hated so much becoming intimate with him! I hated it so much that I still don't know how I gave him my body for years, until at last he chose a younger slave and agreed to free me. Trust me, avoid getting drunk. Pamper your beauty beyond your freedom. Love who you want and who you don't want, take him away from your side. 
 
Reflect on the role of Dominica, the slave: 

1- What jobs did she perform? 

2- How long was her daily shift? Do you think she had days off? 

3- Do you think she had her own money? What is your answer based on? 

4- What consideration does Dominica have with respect to her owner? Do you agree with her? 

5- And the owner with respect to his slave? 

6- In addition to the tasks inherent to her condition as a slave, what else was Dominica forced to do? Do you think that was something she had to do because she was a slave? What does it mean to you? With what still very current and unfortunate situation would you compare this fact? 

7- Look up the word manumission in the dictionary and write its meaning. 

8- When did the owner free Dominica? 

9- What very important advice does Dominica give Viria? 

10- Summarize the traits that you think characterize the social class of slaves. 
 
II- Invent a female character who belongs to the social class of slaves. Give her a name. What would her workday be like? What jobs would she do on any given day?  What time would she get up, have breakfast, eat, go to sleep...? What would her meals consist of? What would her clothes be like? To recreate your character and her journey, keep in mind that there were slave cooks, babysitters, laundresses, weavers, etc.