The Romans, who in the war with Hannibal had the misfortune to be taken captives, were sold about here and there, and dispersed into slavery; twelve hundred in number were at that time in Greece. The reverse of their fortune always rendered them objects of compassion; but more particularly, as well might be, when they now met, some with their sons, some with their brothers, others with their acquaintance; slaves with their free, and captives with their victorious countrymen.
Titus, though deeply concerned on their behalf, yet took none of them from their masters by constraint. But the Achaeans, redeeming them at five pounds a man, brought them all together into one place, and made a present of them to him, as he was just going on ship-board, so that he now sailed away with the fullest satisfaction; his generous actions having procured him as generous returns, worthy a brave man and a lover of his country. This seemed the most glorious part of all his succeeding triumph; for these redeemed Romans (as it is the custom for slaves upon their manumission, to shave their heads and wear felt hats) followed in that habit in the procession.
Source:
Plutarch, John Dryden, and Arthur Hugh Clough. " Flamininus." Plutarch's Lives. New York: Modern Library, 2001. 510. Print.
Further Reading:
Second Punic War / Hannibalic War / War Against Hannibal
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