When Did Slavery Start and End in Ancient Greece?

Slavery was an integral part of Ancient Greece’s economy and society. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when slavery began in Greece, as it was a gradual development over time. However, historians estimate that slavery became a significant institution around the 8th century BCE.

During the Archaic period of Greek history (8th – 6th century BCE), slavery was primarily used for household tasks such as cleaning and cooking. Slaves were also used for agricultural labor and mining. The number of slaves in Greece increased during this time due to wars and conquests, which led to the enslavement of prisoners.

The Classical period (5th – 4th century BCE) saw the rise of Athens as a dominant city-state in Greece. Athens relied heavily on slave labor, which allowed its citizens to pursue other interests such as politics and philosophy. Slaves were used for a variety of tasks such as rowing ships, working in mines, and even running businesses.

Despite their importance in the economy and society, slaves had no legal rights or protections in Ancient Greece. They were considered property and could be bought and sold like any other commodity. Owners had complete control over their slaves’ lives, including the ability to kill them if they wished.

The Hellenistic period (4th – 1st century BCE) saw the decline of Ancient Greece’s power due to wars with other empires such as Rome. Slavery continued during this time but became less prevalent due to changes in the economy and society.

By the end of Ancient Greece’s existence, slavery was still present but had lost much of its importance compared to earlier periods. With the rise of Christianity in later centuries, attitudes towards slavery began to shift towards abolitionism.

In conclusion, slavery played a significant role in Ancient Greece’s economy and society for centuries. Its origins are difficult to pinpoint but it became an integral institution by around the 8th century BCE.

Despite being an important part of society, slaves had no legal rights or protections and were considered property. Slavery continued to exist in Greece until the end of its existence but lost much of its importance in later periods.