Classical Studies 1000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Heterosexuality, Homoeroticism, Cup-Bearer

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 1000
• Professor: Brown Jason

Document Summary

Uncomfortable topic for us, and can go ignored since we tend to idealize the classical greeks. Like any phase of humanity, there are aspects we admire and aspects we revile. A slave is the possession of another person. This was a given in most ancient societies. Slaves were seen as necessary parts of the household. Athens was far more dependant on slaves for its economy than other greek cities. Eventually the idea emerged that greeks should not enslave other greeks. Aristotle believed that barbarians and non-greeks were natural slaves. Being a greek slave changed one"s social identity in several ways: From the perspective of the master, slaves were socially dead chattel. Although they clearly continued to live and think and feel, it is hard to get a perspective from slaves because of the lack of direct evidence. Removed from their native communities and transported to an alien environment. Treated as property and as a means of production.