Description
Book SynopsisThis is an authoritative and clearly written account of the main issues involved in the study of Greek slavery from Homeric times to the fourth century BC. It provides valuable insights into the fundamental place of slavery in the economies and social life of classical Greece, and includes penetrating analyses of the widely-held ancient ideological justifications of slavery. A wide range of topics is covered, including the development of slavery from Homer to the classical period, the peculiar form of community slaves (the helots) found in Sparta, economic functions and the treatment of slaves in Athens, and the evidence for slaves' resistance. Throughout the author shows how political and economic systems, ideas of national identity, work and gender, and indeed the fundamental nature of Greek civilisation itself, were all profoundly affected by the fact that many of the Greek city-states were slave societies. The book includes 12 illustrations.
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface Map of Classical Greece 1. Definitions and Problems: Chattel Slaves Serfs, and the Concept of a Slave-Society 2. The Development of Chattel Slavery: From Homer to Solon 3. Community Slaves or Serfs: the Spartan Helots and Others 4. Slaves in Classical Athens: Numbers, and Economic Functions 5. Slaves in Classical Athens: Treatment and Hopes of Freedom 6. Resistance, Flight and Revolt 7. Justifications: Barbarians and Natural Slaves 8. Associated Ideologies: Work, Leisure and Sex Suggestions for Further Study Suggestions for Further Reading
