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 greek and hellenized communities.

Course description: Analyzing narrative sources (from Homer and the poets to philosophers and historiographers) and document sources(mostly documents related to the freeing of slaves) about slavery in the hellenistic world. The character of slavery from primitive – domestic slavery and slavery out of debt to the numerous slaves recruited for major public projects, mines, building etc. Sources of slavery and the slave market. Attitudes towards slaves in theory and reality.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge of the various forms of slavery and dependency in greek and hellenized communities.

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