Greek society was based on slavery from "summary" of The Greeks by Paul Cartledge
The institution of slavery was deeply embedded in ancient Greek society, playing a fundamental role in its economic, social, and political structure. Slavery was not just a peripheral feature of Greek life; rather, it was a central, defining characteristic. The Greeks relied heavily on slave labor to support their way of life, from working the fields to serving in households and even fighting in wars. Slaves were considered the property of their owners, who had complete control over them. They were seen as tools to be used for the benefit of their masters, with no rights or autonomy of their own. Slavery provided the Greeks with a cheap and abundant source of labor, allowing them to focus on intellectual and cultural pursuits without having to worry about manual labor. Slaves were often captured in war or purchased from slave markets. They came from a variety of backgrounds, including prisoners of war, debtors, and even abandoned children. Once enslaved, they were subject to harsh treatment and exploitation. While some slaves were able to earn their freedom through various means, such as purchasing it or being granted it by their owners, the vast majority lived and died in servitude. The prevalence of slavery in Greek society had far-reaching implications. It created a rigid social hierarchy, with citizens at the top, followed by non-citizen residents, and at the bottom, slaves. Slavery also influenced the development of Greek philosophy, as thinkers grappled with the ethical implications of owning other human beings. Despite widespread acceptance of slavery, there were some voices of dissent, such as the philosopher Aristotle, who questioned the morality of the practice.- Slavery was a pervasive and integral part of ancient Greek society, shaping its economy, culture, and social structure. The Greeks relied on slave labor for their everyday needs, from farming to household chores, and considered slaves as property to be bought and sold. The institution of slavery was deeply entrenched in Greek society, with few questioning its morality or ethics.
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