Self-Reproducing Slaveries in Classical Greece

Similarities and Differences

Bibliographic Data

ID23456603
AuthorsStephen Hodkinson (0000-0001-8957-1077, University of Nottingham, corresponding author)
Year2025
Publication date2025-04-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeCHAPTER
VenueThe Oxford Handbook of Greek and Roman Slaveries (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199575251.013.17
OpenAlexW4409679687
ISBN9780199575251
LanguageEN
References cited33

This chapter examines enslaved populations—Helots, Mariandynoi, Penestai, and Cretan slaves—who maintained themselves through self-reproduction. Ancient writers highlighted distinctive characteristics: common language, ethnic homogeneity, and (except on Crete) propensity to revolt. The earliest sources viewed them as privately owned, though subject to varying state intervention, especially strong in Sparta, weak in Thessaly. Most were agricultural labourers on their masters’ landholdings. Opportunities for agency varied according to geographical distance from their masters, being especially great in Messenia, where Helots inhabited village communities. These populations, except Cretan slaves, fought in warfare: Mariandynoi, Penestai, and Helots as naval rowers; the last two also in land warfare. Cretan slaves and Penestai were more integrated than Helots into polis life. Despite ancient assertions, hard evidence for revolts is limited to occasional helot uprisings. During the Hellenistic period these distinctive slaveries disappeared, transitioning into systems similar to those in other parts of the Greek world.

Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Classical Antiquity Studies · History

Tools

Open DOI