> -----Original Message----- > From: bounces@phoenyx.net [mailto:bounces@phoenyx.net] On Behalf Of > Ibrahim > Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2004 9:33 AM > To: celandra@phoenyx.net > Subject: Re: [Cel] The Economy of Kaeir > > [Ib] Given the economy of the Midsea, I would doubt how successful a > religion or organisation could be if it was anti-slavery. This is not the > Atlantic slavery of pre-civil war America, but the Mediterranean slavery > of > the Roman Empire. As such, slavery would exist in the majority of > societies, especially the more sophisticated ones. > > Because of this, many would have economic interests in slavery (traders, > nobles with landed estates etc, kings...), who would naturally oppose > movements they saw as not just attacking their economic interests but also > undermining an economic cornerstone of their societies (depending on the > level of importance of slavery in that particular society). > > Ibrahim What do you all think of this? How widespread is slavery in the Midsea? I personally think it would be significant, given that the Midsea is at a Bronze-Iron age level of development. The only factors that would significantly affect slavery would be: - population levels. An abundance of cheap labour would undermine the importance of slavery, whereas a society lacking in labour would utilise slavery to fill the void. This would be the demand factor. - religion. Certainly in any society where the dominant religion is anti-slavery, then it probably wouldn't exist. However, that would pit a religion like the cult of Demerhaze against any agricultural "elite", who might benefit from slavery. - supply. Where do the slaves come from? I'd imagine from the less developed societies on the edge of "civilisation" in the Midsea, probably brought to slave markets to be sold, by a middle man. So for example, perhaps Kaeirean slaves are purchased from Aixelsydanese slave-traders who obtain their slaves from the wilder lands to the east of Aixelsydan or Mir. - magic. Have any magic-using societies been able to develop magical alternatives or labour-reducing enhancements? - conditions of slavery. What are the conditions under which slavery operates in a particular society? Are there rights or responsibilities on the part of the owner or the slave? Is there a possibility for emancipation (by the owner, or by the slave purchasing his freedom)? Or is it the more brutal variety (like that of Atlantic slavery)? So, what do you all think? This is a fairly significant issue, I think, as it would affect the economic structure of the majority of Midsea societies, depending on which way they are. Ibrahim ================================ Confidentiality Statement and Disclaimer ================================ This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and contains information that is privileged and confidential. If you, the reader of this message, are not the intended recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this communication. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return email and delete the original message. Thank you. ---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send mail to celandra-off@phoenyx.net.
