Download Examine the institution of slavery in ancient Athens

Examine the institution of slavery in ancient Athens, explaining in detail:
•
the geographical origins of slaves, and how Athenians obtained their slaves
•
the cost of slaves, including variations in costs and reasons for these
•
the legal status of slaves.
Then discuss how well Athenians generally treated their slaves, and why.
Athens in 5th century BC, slavery was a normal part of life. Slaves originated from
various places such as Thrace, Asia Minor and the shores of the black sea. The
Athenians obtained their slaves as prisoners of war or bought from a slave trader. The
cost of slaves varied depending on their sex, skills and physical status. Slaves had no
legal status in Athens but were some freedom if allowed by their masters. Slaves were
also allowed to join in with family festivals. Athenians treated their slaves rather well as
“only a fool will mistreat his living tools”. However the treatment of slaves depended
upon their master. clear introduction
Slavery was normal part of life. Slaves were thought to have been a major part of the
Athenian population. Slaves originated from numerous places and backgrounds. Most
slaves originated from the neighboring civilizations such as Thrace, Asia Minor, Syria,
Ilyria, Caria and from the shores of the black sea. Documents (source) from 414BC
ancient Athens records of importing slaves from Thrace, Syria and Illyria. Slaves were
also obtained from war. Enemies or prisoners of war were made into slaves. This was
the most inexpensive way to obtain slaves. The Slave trade was a huge part in
obtaining slaves in Athens. International slave traders would sell slaves at various
prices. These are only few of the sources of slaves in ancient Athens. Although it was
thought wrong to enslave Greeks as slaves, some were made into slaves when they
were captured as prisoners of war. Can you give an example of this ?
The value of slaves ranged from extremely low prices to extremely high prices. The
value of slaves depended on their sex, age, skill and physical status. Female slaves
were usually the cheapest slaves in ancient Athens. Female slave could not do hard
labour , therefore the production or making of money was small so they were lesser in
value. Male slaves were in higher value because of the work they can do. Male slaves
ranged between $ is this drachma 200 to $6000 . According to the documents of Nicias,
Nicias paid $6000 for a silver mine manager slave. Slaves that were able to manage
silver mines were valued at a very high price due to the skills they have. A slave was
worth more if a slave had skills therefore, a master would train them and sometimes
sell for a profit.
Slaves had no legal status. Slaves were unable to attend any political matters and
assemblies. Slaves were forbidden to have any say in any political matters. This was
only reserved for Athenian citizens. The slaves’ status depended on his or her master
once again. A slave would have to obey every order of his or her master and sometime
gained no freedom at all. However slaves had some freedom if their master allowed it.
A very few slaves were fortunate enough to work far away from their masters such as a
rural farm, overseeing other slaves. The slave would have been free when his master
was not by his side. Slaves were also allowed to take part in family celebrations or
festivals, as they were part of the Oikos or family. Whatabout those slaves that were
skilled in a highly specialized art and craft?
The treatment of slaves in ancient Athens depended on the slaves’ master. The
majority of slaves, according to documents, were treated rather well. A slave was a
member of the household so slaves were treated like a freeman. A quote from old
orligarch describes the treatment of slaves “…the Athenians allow their slaves to live in
a lap of luxury, and some of them indeed live in a life of real magnificence…”.
Athenians even trusted their slaves as well. They trusted a slave to take care of their
children. In rare cases, slaves were given total freedom from their masters. Some
bought their freedom and some were just let free from their masters. Demosthenes’
father freed a slave girl called Miyas in his will.
However, if a slave was unfortunate, the slave could live in a life of misery. Some of the
Athenians believed that slaves were the property of the master and he could treat them
in whichever way he wanted to treat his slaves. His or her master could beat a slave
anytime he wished. A group of female slaves could be bought for prostitution in which
all the money earned went to the master. Some were even tied up by their owners
while doing manual labour work from preventing them from escaping. In southeastern
Attica, slaves were poorly treated. In the mines. The conditions were brutal. Mine shafts
were small, unsafe, and poorly ventilated. Many of the thousands of slaves who worked
in the mines were injured or killed in accidents.
Slavery was a most important part in ancient Athens in all aspects. Slavery was the
source for Athenians to excel in the arts, philosophy and science (you have not
mentioned this before??). Slaves were captured or bought from various sources.
Slaves were valued at many different prices depending on their status. the legal status
and the freedom of slaves all depended on their master. Their master also decided
their treatment. Slavery was a major part in ancient Athens in their social structure and
as Aristotle quotes “slavery is both a necessary and a moral one”.
You have a lot of information – you need to proof read carefully – minor errors. Watch
for new information in the conclusion.
ET5