The Greek Slave-Market at Phanagoria (litho)

The Greek Slave-Market at Phanagoria. Slavery among the Greeks was already fully established in the Homeric period. By the time of Alexander there was a systematic slave-trade throughout what is now known as the "Near East." Syria, Pontus, Lydia, Galatia, and, above all, Thrace, were sources of supply. Egypt, Ethiopia and Italy also furnished a certain number. The Greeks, however, were highest of all in esteem, and were much sought for foreign sale. Greek girls are here shown being sold at Phanagoria for the purpose of supplying petty Eastern princes with courtesans and female singers and dancers. It was not an uncommon thing even for free parents to sell their children into slavery. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.