vilicus

The vilicus was a Roman figure, typically a slave or freedman, who managed a large agricultural estate or farm known as a villa. This role was crucial to the operation of Roman latifundia, the large landed estates that were a cornerstone of the Roman economy. The vilicus was responsible for the day-to-day running of the villa, overseeing agricultural production, supervising other slaves and laborers, and ensuring the efficiency of the farm's operations. Their duties could include planting, harvesting, animal husbandry, and managing the storage and sale of produce. They acted as the on-site representative of the villa owner, who was often an absentee landlord. The vilicus needed to possess a range of skills, from agricultural knowledge to basic accounting and management abilities. Their position offered a degree of authority and responsibility, and success in the role could sometimes lead to manumission and a more independent life. Ancient Roman agricultural writers like Cato the Elder and Varro provided guidance on the qualities and duties expected of a good vilicus.