Скачать или смотреть Used, Beaten, Abandoned: The Dark Fate of Girls in the Slave Markets

foreign women and enslaved girls typically appeared in the markets. There were three primary ways slaves were obtained. The first, most common way was capturing slave girls in wars and attacks on neighbors. The second, less common but still practiced, was the sale of children into slavery by their parents. For example, a father could sell his own daughter into slavery for certain perceived sins, such as excessive debauchery. The third way involved abandoned children who were found on the streets, often in pots and simply wrapped in rags. Such a baby was, by default, no longer considered a free person, and the finder had the full right to claim the child as their own slave. From then on, the new master could do whatever they wanted with the found child. The wretched child would begin their journey of pain in the slave market, where young girls and women stood on a platform or elevated stage so that buyers could assess their merits and flaws before purchasing. After purchasing a slave, her fate depended on where she was taken. If taken into the home, either the mistress (the lawful spouse) or the key holder would determine the kind of work the newcomer would be assigned. The slave could be sent to the kitchen, employed as a laundry attendant, or assigned to weave fabric and sew clothes. Household slaves were tasked with weaving garlands, cleaning bronze dishes, and, if it was discovered that a slave had good taste, she could be assigned to serve the landlady, dress her, and even do her hair. If the owner was satisfied with the slave, she could offer her a treat, but if not, she could slap or beat her. If the young woman was bought to satisfy the master's whims and wishes, it was one story; if she was bought to help the mistress of the house, it was an entirely different story.