What was the problem with slaves in ancient Greece?

Answer 1

Slavery was common practice throughout ancient Greek history, as in other societies of the time. It is estimated that the majority of Atheniancitizens owned at least one slave; most ancient writers considered slavery not only natural but necessary. This paradigm was notably questioned in Socratic dialogues; the Stoics produced the first recorded condemnation of slavery.[2]

Modern historiographical practice distinguishes chattel (personal possession) slavery from land-bonded groups such as the penestae ofThessaly or the Spartan helots, who were more like medieval serfs (an enhancement to real estate). The chattel slave is an individual deprived of liberty and forced to submit to an owner who may buy, sell, or lease them like any other chattel.

The academic study of slavery in ancient Greece is beset by significant methodological problems. Documentation is disjointed and very fragmented, focusing primarily on Athens. No treatises are specifically devoted to the subject - jurisprudence was interested in slavery only inasmuch as it provided a source of revenue. Comedies and tragedies represented stereotypes, while iconography made no substantial differentiation between slaves and craftsmen

Answer 2

Slavery was common practice throughout ancient Greek history, as in other societies of the time. It is estimated that the majority of Atheniancitizens owned at least one slave; most ancient writers considered slavery not only natural but necessary. This paradigm was notably questioned in Socratic dialogues; the Stoics produced the first recorded condemnation of slavery.[2]

Modern historiographical practice distinguishes chattel (personal possession) slavery from land-bonded groups such as the penestae ofThessaly or the Spartan helots, who were more like medieval serfs (an enhancement to real estate). The chattel slave is an individual deprived of liberty and forced to submit to an owner who may buy, sell, or lease them like any other chattel.

The academic study of slavery in ancient Greece is beset by significant methodological problems. Documentation is disjointed and very fragmented, focusing primarily on Athens. No treatises are specifically devoted to the subject - jurisprudence was interested in slavery only inasmuch as it provided a source of revenue. Comedies and tragedies represented stereotypes, while iconography made no substantial differentiation between slaves and craftsmen