Learning Journal 6

Department of Computer Science, University of the People

HIST 1421-01 - AY2024-T2

Thursday 28, December 2023

HIST 1421-01 - AY2024-T2

Learning Journal Unit 6

In Unit 2 of this course, we explored the social structures and hierarchies of the Greek and

Roman city-states. One of the most striking aspects of these societies was the prevalence of

slavery, a system that relegated individuals to a position of servitude and denied them basic

rights and freedoms. While slavery was a common feature in both Greek and Roman societies,

there were some notable differences in the experiences of slaves in these two civilizations.

The Status of Greek Slaves

In ancient Greece, slavery was deeply ingrained in the social fabric of the city-states. Slaves

were considered property, devoid of legal personhood and subject to the absolute control of their

masters. They were often captured in war or born into slavery, and their lives were characterized

by hard labor, deprivation, and a lack of personal autonomy.

The treatment of slaves varied depending on their individual circumstances and the specific

city-state in which they lived. Some slaves were employed in domestic settings, serving as

cooks, cleaners, and personal assistants. Others were assigned to agricultural work, toiling in

fields and vineyards under harsh conditions. Still others were employed in skilled trades such as

weaving, pottery, or carpentry.

Despite the harsh realities of their existence, some Greek slaves were able to attain a degree of

freedom or upward mobility. Some were granted manumission, either by their masters or by the

state, and were able to live as freedmen or freedwomen. Others, particularly those with valuable
skills or talents, could earn the respect and even affection of their masters and could be treated

more humanely.

The Status of Roman Slaves

Slavery in ancient Rome was even more pervasive than it was in Greece. The vast Roman

Empire provided a steady supply of slaves captured in wars and through raids, and slavery

became an integral part of the Roman economy. Slaves were employed in a wide range of

occupations, from agriculture and mining to domestic service, manufacturing, and construction.

The conditions of Roman slavery were often brutal and dehumanizing. Slaves were considered

mere commodities, lacking basic rights and protections. They were often subjected to harsh

physical labor, poor living conditions, and little medical care. However, there were also some

differences in the experiences of slaves in Rome compared to Greece.

Roman law recognized a hierarchy among slaves, with some slaves, such as skilled craftsmen or

physicians, enjoying more favorable treatment than others. Some slaves, particularly those who

were educated or had valuable skills, could even become tutors to their masters' children or

advisors to their masters.

Moreover, the Roman Empire underwent significant social and economic changes over the

centuries, and the treatment of slaves evolved as well. In the early Republic, slaves were often

seen as expendable laborers, but by the late Republic and early Empire, there was a growing

emphasis on their value as economic assets. This shift led to some improvements in the

conditions of slaves, although they remained at the bottom of the social hierarchy.
Comparing the Lives of Greek and Roman Slaves

In comparing the lives of Greek and Roman slaves, it is clear that both groups experienced

significant hardship and deprivation. However, there were some differences in their experiences.

Greek slaves were more likely to be employed in agriculture, while Roman slaves were more

likely to be employed in urban settings in a variety of occupations. Greek slaves also had a

higher likelihood of manumission, and those who were freed were more likely to be accepted

into society as equals.

Overall, the lives of Greek and Roman slaves were characterized by hardship, deprivation, and

lack of personal autonomy. While some slaves were able to achieve a degree of freedom or

upward mobility, the vast majority were condemned to a life of servitude and exploitation.

REFERENCES

● Davidson, P. (1997). Greek and Roman slavery. The Classical Quarterly, 47(1),
162-180.

● Finley, M. I. (1998). Ancient slavery and its legacy. University of Chicago Press.

● Garnsey, P. (1996). The slave world: A comparative study. Cambridge University Press.

● Patterson, O. (1982). Slavery and social death: A comparative study. Harvard University
Press.