The most civilized people of Ancient History

[Sunstone]

What was the percentage of people that were slaves in Greece?

To be serious for a moment (I think this thread belongs in the Jokes forum) the percentage of slaves probably varied from city state to city sate with perhaps Sparta having the highest percentage. Athenian slavery was typically less heinous than most of us might imagine, except in the silver mines. For the most part, Athenian slavery was of the sort where one person owned one to three slaves and usually treated them surprisingly close to being free laborers -- even eating supper at the same table with them. In general, the Athenian society had no where near the high percentage of slaves as the Roman's later had.

 

[xkatz]

The Japanese because **** the whales.

 

[Ryujin]

The Japanese because **** the whales.

Okay, I love Japan in every way(yes, EVERY way), but I literally choked on my drink when I read that! Added to Frubals.

 

[Poeticus]

Well, before voting, do read the explanation.
By Ancient History I mean the period between 3500 BC (birth of Ur, first city) and 476 BC, fall of the Western Roman Empire.

You cannot choose uncivilized people like Germanic populations or Celts.
So, in the option "Others" you can put Egyptians, Phoenicians, Mesopotamian civilizations, Persians and that's it.

Unlike many sane humans, I'd identify domestic cats not only as people but also as the most civilized. Overlords of great intellect and much sublime in their lively conduct.

 

[Revoltingest]

Unlike many sane humans, I'd identify domestic cats not only as people but also as the most civilized. Overlords of great intellect and much sublime in their lively conduct.

They're in contention, but they didn't invent noodles, go, gunpowder, or dian xin (aka dim sum).

 

[Poeticus]

They're in contention, but they didn't invent noodles, go, gunpowder, or dian xin (aka dim sum).

... Au contraire, dear Rev, they most certainly did ! It was the dogs, however, that chiseled their innovative credits off the walls of history.

 

[Revoltingest]

... Au contraire, dear Rev, they most certainly did ! It was the dogs, however, that chiseled their innovative credits off the walls of history.

Cats say they invented these things, but we all know that cats lie.
And when they aren't lying, they're plotting either the exploitation
or demise of clueless humans.

 

[Ryujin]

To be serious for a moment (I think this thread belongs in the Jokes forum) the percentage of slaves probably varied from city state to city sate with perhaps Sparta having the highest percentage. Athenian slavery was typically less heinous than most of us might imagine, except in the silver mines. For the most part, Athenian slavery was of the sort where one person owned one to three slaves and usually treated them surprisingly close to being free laborers -- even eating supper at the same table with them. In general, the Athenian society had no where near the high percentage of slaves as the Roman's later had.

Don't go thinking, though, that they weren't incredibly cruel. When Athens went to war with Sparta they sent a fleet to the city of Melos, on the Aegean sea, to bully them for money and support in the war against Sparta. Melos had been neutral until that time and wished to remain so and, accordingly, refused the terms of the shake down. The Athenians massacred them, saying "The Strong Do What They Can, And The Weak Suffer What They Must."

I will concede, though, that they weren't all THAT much worse than other civilized people at that time before human rights. The exception is, of course, the first half of the Achaemenid empire where there was, in fact, human rights and compassion in abundance.

 

[Drolefille]

This is so ridiculous, you are so obsessed with the Jews. Get. Over. It.

 

[Father Heathen]

The Japanese, especially prior to the rise of the Bushi class.

Feet binding aside.

 

[Ryujin]

This is so ridiculous, you are so obsessed with the Jews. Get. Over. It.

I have to admit, I was surprised to see the Hebrews listed here, as if they were the absolute pinnacle of western/near eastern civilization at the time, like the Roman empire or the Greeks under Alexander are often said to have been.

 

[roger1440]

“(When asked what he thought of Western civilization): 'I think it would be a good idea.”
Mahatma Gandhi

 

[Revoltingest]

Feet binding aside.

Are you sure the Japanese bound feet?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I'm partial towards the Japanese and the Germanic tribes. You can say the Germanic tribes don't count, but the Norse were considered civilized to the point of vanity.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Well, before voting, do read the explanation.
By Ancient History I mean the period between 3500 BC (birth of Ur, first city) and 476 BC, fall of the Western Roman Empire.

You cannot choose uncivilized people like Germanic populations or Celts.
So, in the option "Others" you can put Egyptians, Phoenicians, Mesopotamian civilizations, Persians and that's it.

Not sure if anyone has already mentioned it, but by 476 BC, do you actually mean 476 AD?
That's often used as the date of the fall of the Western Roman Empire, although I kinda think it's an oversimplification.

Then again, so's your selection of available options...!

 

[xkatz]

Are you sure the Japanese bound feet?

That's not the only thing they bound... If you catch my drift :flirt:

 

[The Sum of Awe]

Egyptians by a long shot. For its time, it's possibly even more civilized than modern cultures.

 

[Father Heathen]

Are you sure the Japanese bound feet?

A wiki search tells me no. I apologize for my hazy, errant history recollection.

 

[Estro Felino]

Not sure if anyone has already mentioned it, but by 476 BC, do you actually mean 476 AD?
That's often used as the date of the fall of the Western Roman Empire, although I kinda think it's an oversimplification.

Then again, so's your selection of available options...!

thank you. It was a mistake of distraction. I've immediately corrected it

 

[Sunstone]

Feet binding aside.

Feet binding never really spread from China, where it originated, to Japan in any large measure.