Women slaves in Classical Antiquity. Production and reproduction in the domestic units

Abstract

This article undertakes the analysis of origin and characterization of women slavery in Greece and Rome, a theme that has been usually studied not taking account of the category of gender. We have considered two aspects in our research. Firstly, the appearance of women slavery as a phenomenon with their own characteristics, and probably previous in time to men slavery, whose nature is different. Secondly, the role of women slaves in the domestic units, basic cells of ancient society and economy, and where production and reproduction were intimately interrelated. In this way, women slavery was a resource used by these societies in order to satisfy both productive and reproductive necessities.