APA_7th_ed._Template_8 (1)
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
201
Subject
History
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
8
Uploaded by AdmiralThunderWhale26
1
Ancient Societies: Economy and Labor
Sunshine Campbell
Liberty University
HIEU201: History of Western Civilization I (B02)
Professor Bebernitz
02/09/2024
2
Introduction
Warfare and conquest gave rise to slavery, an ingrained feature of ancient cultures that shaped their social and economic environments. Similar to now, economic issues played a significant role in fostering a thriving community in ancient societies. Slavery was one of the distinctive elements that contributed to the prosperity of ancient civilizations. Even though it is now viewed as completely negative, it was advantageous to ancient societies. Hebrew laws demonstrated how they viewed slaves as human beings with rights who should be treated with respect by their masters, in contrast to Greek culture which saw slaves as wild animals that needed to be "trained" as such.
Body
Although slavery was accepted as a social norm in Hebrew and Greek societies, there are notable
distinctions between their methods. Greek slavery seems more pragmatic, stressing compliance for its own sake. On the other hand, Hebrew laws emphasized compassion, eventual freedom for the slaves, and safeguards against oppressive authority. The Hebrew emphasis on individual rights and dignity is more in line with what Christ taught.
Although the Old Testament emphasizes rights and norms, it presents the Hebrews as being accepting of slavery. God reminds the Hebrews in the book of Leviticus that while they were free to own slaves, they were not permitted to oppress them. The Hebrews were subjected to cruel treatment as Egyptian slaves prior to their liberation. God thus commanded the Hebrews to treat their slaves differently from the cruel treatment they had received. The Hebrews were
3
encouraged to emulate God's kindness and concern for all people by taking a different stance toward their slaves.
In Hebrew society, it was not only necessary to release a slave but also to make sure they were given the necessities that would help sustain them when they were set free. It entailed supplying materials from one's flock, threshing floor, wine press, and overall abundance. God used their common history as slaves in Egypt as justification for ordering them to do things that were in opposition to the mistreatment they experienced there. Some laws protected enslaved women. It was forbidden for the master to sell her to other countries if he got angry with her. Instead, she would be released from debt and paid nothing, along with the same privileges accorded to an enslaved man. This highlights how compassion was meant to be shown to all, regardless of their gender.
The Hebrews were commissioned to handle things differently. Social justice is demonstrated by laws like those found in Exodus 21:11, which free Hebrew slaves after six years of labor, and Leviticus 25:39–55, which forbids harsh authority over other enslaved Israelites. Allowing slaves
to be free during the Jubilee Year emphasizes the value of treating people humanely and respecting their fundamental rights.
Although the Hebrew people were commanded to treat their slaves differently, they sometimes failed. In response to King Zedekiah's covenant for the emancipation of Hebrew slaves, the people of Jerusalem initially complied, releasing all male and female slaves to prevent the enslavement of fellow Judeans. However, they later went back on this commandment, reclaiming
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
the freed slaves and subjecting them once again to slavery. The Lord, through Jeremiah, reproached people, reminding them of the covenant made during the exodus from Egypt. Despite
their recent repentance and proclamation of liberty, the people dishonored the covenant by reenslaving those they had set free. Consequently, the Lord sent calamities, such as but not limited to pestilence and famine, as punishment for their disobedience.
Unlike the Hebrews, training slaves was likened to animal domestication techniques in ancient Greece. According to the Greek writer Xenophon, methods of training meant for untamed animals were quite successful in teaching slaves to obey. Like how colts or puppies were trained,
slaves were incentivized with prizes and penalties. Incentives included the promise of better things in the future, praise, and food. There were laws set in place in Athenian law to safeguard slaves; however, although Athenian laws protected slaves against cruel treatment, in practice, slaves had significant challenges when it came to filing complaints against their owners because they were not able to defend themselves in court4. The punishment for bad behavior likely instilled an overwhelming fear in the slaves, which also hindered them from complaining in court. Common punishments for misconduct included starvation and lashing. A hot iron was used to mark escaped slaves who had been captured. Torture was the only method available for accepting a slave's testimony in court if they had to provide one 5. This is a far cry from what Hebrew slaves went through. Rather than adopting Hebrew customs, the Greek method resembles how slaves were treated in ancient Egypt. It is noteworthy that the Greeks were reluctant to free their slaves, even in cases where they had been obedient to their owners all of their lives.
5
Athens had a very high slave population, surpassing that of any other Greek city. Slavery became
so widespread that even the poorest members of society enslaved people. Like the Hebrews, the Greeks saw slavery as a normal part of life that only existed because it was part of their social framework. Aristotle described slaves as "ensouled pieces of property,6" while other Greeks believed slaves might live free lives and benefit their owners financially by working for them7. In ancient Greek society, there was little opposition to the harsh treatment of slaves. Philosophers
who opposed the institution of slavery, like Cynics or the Stoics, were suppressed despite their support for human unity. The majority believed slavery was justified as part of the order of existence.
The primary commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind," according to Christ's teachings. According to Matthew 22:37–38, "This is the first and great commandment." Furthermore, according to John 13:34, Christ commands people to love one another as He has loved them. When comparing how slaves were treated in Greek and Hebrew cultures, the Hebrew method resembles what Christ would have expected. The Hebrews showed a distinct approach, displaying love and respect, in contrast to the degrading treatment shown in Greek society, where slaves were viewed as simply property.
Conclusion
6
Analyzing Greek and Hebrew customs on slavery reveals various strategies, from rights-
oriented, more intricate rules in the Hebrew community to utilitarian ways in Greek culture. The benefits of slavery influenced both cultures, but the Hebrew rules show a stronger match with Christ's teachings on how we should treat others since they place a greater focus on compassionate treatment and respect for individual rights. It is clear from this comparative research how difficult it is to balance traditional customs with timeless moral values.
Conclusion
The benefits of slavery influenced both cultures, but the Hebrew rules show a more robust match with Christ's teachings on how we should treat others since they place a greater focus on compassionate treatment and respect for individual rights. It is clear from this comparative research how difficult it is to balance traditional customs with timeless moral values.
Slavery was an integral aspect of ancient civilizations. However, because each culture had its own set of rules, they all approached and dealt with slavery in different ways. Galatians 3:28 emphasizes that God is not partial, and this was a priority for the Hebrews as they worked to follow the precepts of the Old Testament and to exemplify Christ's teachings of love for one another. Conversely, the Greeks did not live up to the standards set by Christ. Colossians 4:1 is a reminder to acknowledge the heavenly Master and act justly and fairly. When these biblical ideas
are considered, it is clear that the institution of slavery might have developed in a way that was more just and compassionate if ancient cultures had complied with these standards.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
7
References
Xenophon: How to teach obedience to slaves. (2024).
Daily Life through History
. Retrieved February 09, 2024, from https://dailylife2-abc--clio-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/Search/Display/1804435
Salisbury, J. E. (2024). Slaves in Greece: Ancient World.
Daily Life through History
. Retrieved February 09, 2024, from https://dailylife2-abc--clio-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/Search/Display/1425921
Old Testament on slavery (ca. sixth century BCE). (2024).
Daily Life through History
. Retrieved February 09, 2024, from https://dailylife2-abc--clio-com.eu1.proxy.openathens.net/Search/Display/1992385
Author, D.D. (year, Month day). Title of article. Title of Newspaper
, https://newspaper.homepage Author, E.E., & Author, F.F. (year). Title of book
. Publisher. Author, G.G., & Author, H.H. (year, Month day). Title of document
. https://www.xxxxxxx Your references will be listed alphabetical by author’s last name
. They will not be indented the same way as the body of your paper. Each reference will have a “hanging indent,” like
8
this paragraph is written. This guide shows how to create different types of reference entries: https://national.libguides.com/apa_7th/reference