Slaves were the lowest class of people in Athens. Although they were slaves, historians now believe that they were treated better than previously thought.
Slaves were crucial to the Athens economy. They actually held various jobs, depending on their skills or the needs of their owner.
There were slaves who were called "elite slaves" and their jobs ranged from tutors to policemen.
There were also domestic slaves who held less status than the elite slaves. They held jobs in their owner's household, carrying out tasks such as childcare, cleaning, cooking, etc.
Elite and domestic slaves could buy their freedom in some cases.
The lowest class of slaves worked mining silver. This job was very dangerous, and many slaves died doing this job.