Slavery in the Classical and Hellenistic period

Pre-requisites: None

Course objectives: This course provides an introduction to the various forms of slavery and dependency in Greece during the Classical and Hellenistic period.

Course description: Analyzing narrative sources (from Homer and the poets to philosophers and historians) and documentary sources (mostly documents related to the manumission of slaves) about slavery in the Classical and Hellenistic world. The character of slavery from domestic slavery and slavery for debt to the numerous slaves recruited for major public projects, mines, building activities, etc. Sources of slavery and the slave market. Attitudes towards slaves in theory and reality.

Learning Outcomes: Acquiring knowledge about the various forms of slavery and dependency in Greece during the Classical and Hellenistic period.

Literature/Reading:

• W. Westermann, RE Suppl. VI, 1935, coll. 894-1068, s.v. Sklaverei
• W. L. Westermann, Upon Slavery in Ptolemaic Egypt, New York 1929
• M. Rostovtzeff, The Social and Economic History of the Hellenistic World, Oxford 1941
• F. Papazoglou, LAOI et PAROIKOI, Beograd 1997
• H. Heinen (ed.), Handwörterbuch der antiken Sklaverei (HAS). CD-ROM Lieferung 1. Forschungen zur antiken Sklaverei, 5. Stuttgart 2006