Slaves Flashcards
1
Q
How much of the population of Athens may have been slaves?
A
Around 1/3.
2
Q
How did people become slaves?
A
- Born into slavery
- Captured after war (only if non-Greek in Athens)
- Families could sell children if in debt or for profit
- Captured by pirates
3
Q
Where was the slave market in Athens?
A
In the city centre.
4
Q
Whose job was it to buy slaves?
A
The Kyrios’s.
5
Q
Why would slaves be bought? (4 reasons)
A
- Well educated slaves could be paidogogos for boys. Probably worth lots.
- Female slaves that could sing/dance would be bought by entertainers for symposiums.
- Slaves with a certain skill, e.g. cobbling, metal-working, or accounting, could be bought then hired out for profit by the owner.
- Old or weak slaves that were likely to die would fetch a smaller price.
6
Q
What was the average price for a slave?
A
165 drachma, about half a year’s wage for a skilled worker.
7
Q
Describe the domestic jobs a slave would do (to help the kyria). (Male + female, 3 things each)
A
- Female slaves would spin, weave, or cook.
- Male slaves would shop, fetch water, or supervise children’s education.
8
Q
Describe the other jobs a slave could do. (4 things)
A
- Strong, male slaves could be used on family farm.
- Skilled slaves could work in workshop. Products could then be sold for owner’s profit.
- Some bought by state for police force.
- Some worked in silver mines. (Conditions dark + dangerous, many died)
9
Q
Was it common for slaves to be freed?
A
No.
10
Q
Describe the legal protection slaves had.
A
- Could complain to court if they felt their master was treating them badly.
- Despite this, many slaves still had to endure harsh/humiliating conditions.
