Similarities Between Ancient Greek And Roman Slavery

Greek slavery verses Roman slavery

According to Cartwright (2018), slaves in ancient Greece were acquired through war, kidnap and purchase and were seen as part of normal society taking up possibly 40% of the population. This article continues to state that being a slave owner in this society was a proud social status that people worked towards becoming. The relationship of owner to slave in ancient Greek as per Cartwright (2018), was mostly like in any other time period involving humans owning another. Meaning filled with abuse, contempt, distrust, theft and sabotage with very few circumstances where the bond can be seen as friendship or loyal. Furthermore in this journal entry, slaves held occupations from all backgrounds such as food,

This author continues to state that during these Roman times, slaves faced injustice, inequality in freedom and power and were practically invisible in their society as freedom was not seen as a right for these people. Cartwright (2013) explains Roman slaves were taken in as war captives, trade and collecting the offspring of slaves with slaves markets taking over the streets of Rome such as Delos where slaves were bought and sold. This author explains that Roman slavery was a wider known practice from that of the Greeks, and slaves had no rights at all, and were seen as even lower than freed criminals. Furthermore, in this article, slaves had no legal status, no individuality, they could not create families or own property, they were merely a status symbol for the rich and nothing more. Winning freedom for Roman slaves as per Cartwright (2013) was allowed via permission from the owner or paid out by the slave

Regardless of their title, these authors explain that women in ancient Greek times were not viewed as citizens, and the women’s ‘role’ during this time was to be invisible within the household and take care of the home, the children, and serve and obey their husbands. These authors continue to state that these women who had no real formal education; were seen as property and were to remain silent when men and visitors were present in their home. As for ancient Rome, UNRV Roman History (n.d.) writes that women in Roman societies were able to hold roles that were considered of social importance, and were seen as citizens within that government. Meaning, according to this journal, women can own land, represent themselves in court, sign official legal documents, and inherit land. Although still considered second class from their male counterparts, UNRV Roman History (n.d.) explains that women still had a social impact in public policy and military