Answer:
Both nobles and common people owned slaves in Rome.
Step-by-step explanation:
Slavery in Ancient Rome was one of the characteristics of Roman society. Throughout the history of the Roman Empire and its dominion over the Mediterranean, Europe, Africa and Asia, Roman society was essentially slave, and both its economy and its social structure was based on a class system where the slave constituted the lowest step of society.
Within the empire, slaves were sold at public auction or sometimes in stores, or by private sale for the most valuable slaves. The slave trade was supervised by Roman tax officials called Quaestors.
Sometimes the slaves were exposed on rotating supports, to be better observed and next to each slave was hung for sale a type of plaque that describes its origin, health, character, intelligence, education, and other relevant information for buyers. In order to better appreciate their qualities and defects, they were always exposed naked. Prices varied with age and quality, so slave children were cheaper than adults, and among the latter the most valuable reached prices equivalent to thousands of dollars today. As a guarantee, the dealer was obliged to replace it with a new slave within six months after the purchase, if the slave had hidden defects that were not manifested in the sale. Slaves put up for sale without warranty period were required to wear a cap at the auction, and they were cheaper.