Discuss the role of slavery in Babylonian society. How vital were slaves to the economy and how accepted was the practice? Describe the life of a typical slave
What will be an ideal response?
There were two main types of slavery in Mesopotamia: chattel and debt slavery. Chattel slaves were bought like any other piece of property and had no legal rights. They had to wear their hair in a certain way and were sometimes branded or tattooed on their hands.Debt slavery was more common than chattel slavery. Rates of interest were high, as much as 331?3 percent, so people often defaulted on loans. One reason the interest rates were so high was that the government periodically canceled certain types of debts, debt slavery, and obligations, so lenders ran the risk of losing their money. If debtors had pledged themselves or members of their families as surety for a loan, they became the slave of the creditor; their labor went to pay the interest on the loan. Debt slaves could not be sold but could redeem their freedom by paying off the loan. True chattel slavery did not become common until the Neo-Babylonian period. Answers should also include information about the life of a typical slave.
Learning
You might also like to view...
In the early 1790s, British actions toward the United States indicated __________
a. respect for the status of the new nation b. a desire to recruit the United States as a close ally c. disdain for American rights d. a willingness to join the French in taking advantage of the new country e. the need for American resources to feed and clothe British troops
The image highlights the influence of __________ religious beliefs on the Roman Empire
A) Egyptian B) Persian C) Chinese D) Indian
In his famous essay Exposition and Protest, John Calhoun presented the doctrine of ________, by which southern states could protect themselves from harmful national action
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
Which of the following statements is the most accurate depiction of the Aztec Empire?
A. It was a highly centralized, tightly administered monarchy developed through military conquest. B. It was a confederation of localities linked by a feudal allegiance system in which a central ruler controlled an empire developed through military conquest. C. It was a highly centralized maritime society that had evolved from a foundation of intense religious piety. D. It was followed by the Mayan civilization. E. Human sacrifice was abolished by Montezuma.