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How was slavery in the Aztec empire different from other ancient civilizations hat held enslaved people

User Baleato
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Slavery in the Aztec Empire had some differences from slavery in other ancient civilizations. Here are some key distinctions:

War Captives: In the Aztec Empire, many of the enslaved people were war captives. The Aztecs practiced a form of slavery called "debt slavery" where individuals who couldn't pay their debts could be enslaved, but a significant portion of slaves came from warfare. This was different from some ancient civilizations, where slavery might be based primarily on debt or social status.

Treatment of Slaves: While the treatment of slaves could vary widely in any society, Aztec slavery was known to be particularly brutal. Some slaves were used for labor, including agricultural work, while others were sacrificed in religious rituals. In other ancient civilizations, slaves might have been used for various purposes, but not necessarily subjected to ritual sacrifice.

Social Mobility: In the Aztec Empire, there was some potential for social mobility for slaves. They could eventually gain their freedom, marry into Aztec society, and even become nobles if they proved themselves in battle or through other means. This differs from some other ancient civilizations where slavery was often hereditary and offered little opportunity for social advancement.

Scale: The Aztec Empire was a relatively short-lived civilization compared to some other ancient societies, so the scale of slavery might have been different. Empires like the Roman or Egyptian lasted for centuries and had extensive slave systems. The Aztec Empire existed for a shorter time frame and might not have had as long-standing an institution of slavery.

It's important to note that slavery varied within the Aztec Empire itself, with different forms and degrees of servitude. Also, while there were differences, there were also commonalities with other ancient civilizations, such as the use of enslaved labor for economic and social purposes. Slavery, in all its forms, was a complex and deeply ingrained institution across many ancient societies.

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