Sosias, Silver Mining, and the Wealth of Classical Athens

Slavery is often considered a throwback to an older, less efficient way of organizing an economy, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Sosias, a mining overseer from Thrace, was one of the most expensive slaves ever sold in classical Athens. What made him worth so much money? The answer reveals a great deal about classical Athens, its economy, and slavery's place in a sophisticated economic world. Become a member now at www.patreon.com/cw/PastLivesMedia. You'll get access to the Past Lives Discord server and four pieces of bonus content per month (including a historian interview, book club, Q and A, and a sources and evidence discussion). Past Lives is a 100-percent independent production, and your support is what allows us to make this show. So, thank you.