Slaves

Question 1

How much of the population of Athens may have been slaves?

Answer 1

Around 1/3.

Question 2

How did people become slaves?

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

Where was the slave market in Athens?

Answer 3

In the city centre.

Question 4

Whose job was it to buy slaves?

Answer 4

The Kyrios’s.

Question 5

Why would slaves be bought? (4 reasons)

Answer 5

• 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.

Question 6

What was the average price for a slave?

Answer 6

165 drachma, about half a year’s wage for a skilled worker.

Question 7

Describe the domestic jobs a slave would do (to help the kyria). (Male + female, 3 things each)

Answer 7

• Female slaves would spin, weave, or cook.

- Male slaves would shop, fetch water, or supervise children’s education.

Question 8

Describe the other jobs a slave could do. (4 things)

Answer 8

• 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)

Question 9

Was it common for slaves to be freed?

Answer 9

No.

Question 10

Describe the legal protection slaves had.

Answer 10

• Could complain to court if they felt their master was treating them badly.
• Despite this, many slaves still had to endure harsh/humiliating conditions.