Slavery: Periodization 2 Thomas, James, Christian

Slavery- The Case of the Roman Empire There were other inequalities of classes but the slaves were the lowest Slavery may be caused by the early domestication of animals. War, patriarchy, and owning private property also contributed to more slaves. Large wars also added to the population of prisoners, which were commonly used as slaves. Early records say that women may have been the first slaves after getting raped, while the captured men get killed. In patriarchal societies, women were sometimes “owned” The greatly different social classes and wealth in private land ownership made it logical for people to own people.

Slavery- The Case of the Romans Cont. This famous mosaic shows a slave pouring a drink for his master. The slave's name was myro, and the master's name was Fructus. This mosaic is believed to be from the third century C.E. Slave owners would compare their animals to tamed animals. This shows how people viewed slaves with such low views. The famous greek philosopher and scientist, Aristotle said “The ox is the poor man’s slave” This famous quote shows how slaves were like animals, to be people, but just better working.

Slavery and Civilization Slavery generally means ownership by a master, and bottom of a social hierarchy “Social Death” Lacked rights or independent personal identity All first civilizations practiced some sort of slavery Some slaves may be emancipated do to their owners generosity or by buying their freedom Depending on their master they would have different class jobs (Working in household, or in fields and mines) In China slavery was a very minor element Only slaves were criminals and their families, and children of poor families that were sold (Teenage boys were very popular for rich people as status symbols)

Slavery and CIvilization Cont. Never ended up becoming widespread or a major source of labor for agriculture or manufacturing in China Criminals, debtors, and prisoners of war were the main people that were slaves in India Law required slave owners to supply slaves adequately and not abandon them in old age They were required to treat their slaves with respect never “go short”, due to the fact that the slaves do their dirty work for the master Indian slaves could inherit land, own property, and work in their spare time Indian civilization did not depend economically upon slaves

The Making of Roman Slavery Greco-Roman societies were based on slavery. Aristotle stated that some people were "slaves by nature" Rome had around 2-3 million slaves (33 to 40% of population) No one specific race or ethnicity was targeted Slaves had laws demanding that their owners give the basics of living Slaves could do anything but join the army The slaves had to give absolute subjection Slaves could earn or buy their freedom

Resistance and Rebellion Some slaves resorted to "the weapons of the weak" Some committed suicide Some ran away causing a business of slave hunters to spring up The murder of owners led to the Roman saying "Every slave we own is an enemy we harbor" In 73 B.C.E. The Spartacus revolt occurred At its height it contained 120,000 people 6,000 rebels were crucified on crosses along Appian Way

POP-QUIZ!!!! 1.What percent of the population is represented by slaves? a % b % c % 2. What was the job that slaves could not do? a. Gladiator b. Soldier c. Blacksmith 3. What was the thought Aristotle had on slaves? a. It is wrong b. That some people were "slaves by nature" c. It is necessary

1.What is one of the "weapons of the weak"? a.Faking Illness b.Fighting c.Doing what their told 2.What was a Roman saying about slaves? a."The more the richer" b."Every slave we own is an enemy we harbor" c."The greatest slave is the meekest slave" 3.When was the Spartacus slave revolt? a.59 B.C.E. b.33 B.C.E c.73 B.C.E. 4.At its height what was the total slaves in the rebellion a.500 b.3,000,000 c.120,000

1. What caused the high populations of Slaves? a. The prices of people became really cheap when the economy shifted b. People wanted to be slaves because of the high pay and free housing c. War and domesticated animals d. Emperors wanted less important people to feel bad 2. Where did slaves fall the social hierarchy? a. They were in the middle due to their high working b. They were at the top because their work made them rich c. They were the lowest d. They were close to the bottom but homeless people and labor workers were below. 3. Who were slaves? a. All women b. Anybody who couldn’t work c. People of other civilizations who were captured d. Kids