Analysis of the Slaveries in Roman Empire and Germanic Society in the 1st and the 4th-century A.C.

Abstract

Slavery acted as a method of production in the transition from a clans-dominated society to a feudal society in the development of human society. It benefits society’s operation and wealth accumulation through the exploitation of slaves. This essay will focus on the comparative analysis of Roman slavery and Germanic slavery in the 1st and the 4th century, two representative historical periods. In the 1st century, the two kinds of slavery differed regarding slaves’ labor division and views of the ruling classes upon the slaves. These differences were caused by differential technological development, lifestyles, and laws. As for 4th-century slavery, the slavery crisis in Rome led to disasters in the economy and cultural unity. The development of slavery promoted by advanced technology in Germanic society urged the Germanic people to invade Rome. These analyses support the argument that technological advancement fundamentally determines production relationships and promotes the transformation of human society.