Ancient Slavery: Death Senetence or Life Opportunity?

In Aristotle's "Proof of Slavery" and Seneca's "About Master and Slave", the two authors expressed opposition to the principle of slavery. Aristotle stated slavery as inferiority of destiny and material attributes greatly proved this, but Seneca emphasized the importance of philosophical freedom material freedom. (Page 58). The authors' comparison perspective is clarified in their judgment on slave ethics, the degree of freedom that everyone has when they were born, and the equal balance between slaves and their owners .

Like other societies at the time, slavery was a common practice in ancient Greece. Some ancient Greek writers (including the most famous Aristotle) ​​believe that slavery is natural and even necessary. In the dialogue of Socrates, this paradigm was highly questioned; stoic school for the first time condemned slavery. Except for the politics reserved for citizens, most activities are open to slavery. Although the main use of slaves is agriculture, hundreds of slaves are used in quarry and mines, and two of each household may be household servants. Certainly, Athens has the largest slave population. In the 6 th and 5 th centuries BC, 80 thousand people live and there are an average of three to four slaves per household except for poor families.

Ancient Roman slavery was different in some respects from ancient Greek slavery. Roman rulers have more power over their slaves, including the Law, the power of life and death. Slavery is also essential for Rome's economic and social system. Rich Romans depend mostly on many slaves to maintain many families. The Roman Empire tried to expand the labor force, but countless slaves were imported through means and war. "Ultimately, reliance on slavery made a big contribution to the collapse of Rome" (Encarta)

Roman slavery differs from ancient Greece in several important respects. Roman rulers, including the power of life and death, are more powerful than slaves. Especially during the Empire era, slavery is also necessary for Rome's economic and social system. Wealthy Romans often rely on a large number of slaves to maintain large cities and rural homes and to make these houses work effectively. Since the conquest and expansion of the empire ultimately put pressure on the Roman workforce, we must import a large number of foreign slaves to fulfill the need for agricultural labor.