At the meeting, some were grumbling, "Isn't 200 drachmas too much for freedmen?"
Others retorted, "It should be higher, so they understand that becoming Amendolaran citizens is not easy and learn to cherish it."
By the next day, news spread from the registrar Raphaelias: the Consul's wife, Cristoia, had prepaid the fees for ten freedmen. At the same time, Mersis also advanced payments for six freedmen.
Only then did everyone realize the value of these freedmen. Not to mention Mersis's sharp eye for talent—he had recruited numerous skilled accountants and craftsmen during the Persian campaign. Even the ordinary slaves were mostly strong individuals who had served as laborers in the baggage camp and endured many battles. With just a little training, they could become qualified soldiers.
What was even more valuable was that most of them were Persian farmers.
In the Mediterranean, three groups of farmers were renowned for their expertise in agriculture:
