How Were Slaves Obtained in Ancient China

Historical Development#

Pre - Qin Period (Before 221 BC)#

• In the early days, slaves were often captives from wars. Tribes and states would take prisoners of war and turn them into slaves. For example, during the constant skirmishes between different small kingdoms and tribes, those captured in battles were forced into servitude.
• Debt bondage also emerged as a source of slaves. People who were unable to pay off their debts to wealthy landowners or merchants could be forced to work as slaves until the debt was repaid.

Qin and Han Dynasties (221 BC - 220 AD)#

• The Qin Dynasty, with its large - scale construction projects like the Great Wall, used slaves obtained through criminal punishment. People convicted of certain crimes could be sentenced to work as slaves on government - sponsored projects.
• During the Han Dynasty, in addition to war captives and criminal slaves, there was an increase in the practice of self - selling into slavery. Due to extreme poverty and lack of means to survive, some individuals voluntarily sold themselves or their family members into slavery.

Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD)#

• The Tang Dynasty had a more complex system. It continued to use war captives, especially from border conflicts with neighboring tribes. However, the government also regulated the slave trade to some extent. Slaves were sometimes given as gifts between high - ranking officials, and there were records of slaves being used in large - scale agricultural and handicraft production.

Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1912 AD)#

• In the Ming and Qing periods, the use of slaves obtained through inheritance became more prominent. Families that had owned slaves in the past would pass them down through generations. There was also a market for buying and selling slaves, although it was often restricted by certain laws and social norms.

Key Institutions or Concepts#

Social Structure#

• Slavery was closely tied to the hierarchical social structure in ancient China. Slaves were at the bottom of the social ladder, with little to no rights. They served the upper - class, including nobles, landowners, and government officials.
• Their labor supported the economic activities of the ruling class, allowing them to focus on governance, military affairs, and cultural pursuits.

Economy#

• Slaves played a significant role in the economy. They were used in agriculture, mining, and handicraft industries. For example, in large - scale agricultural estates, slaves provided the necessary labor for farming, which contributed to the overall food supply and economic stability of the region.
• In the handicraft sector, slaves were involved in tasks such as silk production, pottery making, and metalworking, helping to generate wealth through trade.

Laws#

• The legal system in ancient China regulated slavery. Different dynasties had specific laws regarding the ownership, transfer, and treatment of slaves. For instance, the Tang Code had detailed regulations on the punishment for crimes committed by slaves and the rights and obligations of slave owners.

Religion#

• Some religious beliefs in ancient China, such as Confucianism, influenced the attitude towards slaves. Confucian teachings emphasized social order, which included the proper treatment of subordinates, including slaves. However, this did not necessarily mean the abolition of slavery but rather a more "moral" way of managing the relationship between masters and slaves.

Significant Figures or Events#

Emperor Wu of Han (156 - 87 BC)#

• His military campaigns led to an increase in the number of war captives who became slaves. His expansionist policies brought more territory under Han control and also captured many people from different ethnic groups, adding to the slave population.
• His economic reforms, which aimed to strengthen the state, also indirectly affected the slave system as more labor was needed for large - scale projects.

An Lushan Rebellion (755 - 763 AD)#

• This event disrupted the social and economic order in the Tang Dynasty. Many people lost their property and livelihoods, leading to an increase in the number of self - sold slaves. The chaos also led to a change in the way slaves were managed and used as the government struggled to regain control.

Comparative Notes#

Similarities with Ancient Rome#

• Both ancient China and ancient Rome used war captives as a major source of slaves. In both civilizations, slaves were crucial for large - scale construction projects, such as the building of roads and public buildings in Rome and the Great Wall in China.
• There were also legal systems in both places that regulated slavery, although the specific laws differed.

Differences from Ancient Greece#

• In ancient Greece, the concept of slavery was more closely associated with the city - state system and the development of democracy. Slaves in Greece were often used in domestic service and in the mines, while in ancient China, slaves were more widely used in agriculture and a variety of handicraft industries.

Legacy and Impact#

Social Impact#

• The legacy of slavery in ancient China influenced the long - term social structure. Although slavery gradually declined over time, the hierarchical nature of society persisted to some extent. The idea of a clear distinction between the upper and lower classes was deeply ingrained.
• It also affected family structures, as the practice of inheriting slaves had implications for family wealth and status.

Economic Impact#

• The use of slave labor in ancient China contributed to the early development of the economy. The large - scale production in agriculture and handicrafts laid the foundation for trade and economic growth. However, in the long run, the reliance on slave labor may have also hindered the development of a more free - labor - based economy.

Cultural Impact#

• The existence of slavery influenced cultural expressions. For example, in literature and art, the relationship between masters and slaves was sometimes depicted, reflecting the social norms and values of the time.

Further Study#

• Readers interested in delving deeper into this topic could explore specific legal texts from different dynasties in ancient China to understand the exact regulations regarding slavery.
• Researching the lives of individual slaves through historical records, such as diaries or official reports, can provide a more personal perspective on the experience of slavery.
• Comparing the slave systems of different regions in ancient China, such as the north and the south, can also reveal regional differences in the practice of slavery.

References#

• Fairbank, John King, and Merle Goldman. China: A New History. Harvard University Press, 1998.
• Loewe, Michael, and Edward L. Shaughnessy, eds. The Cambridge History of Ancient China: From the Origins of Civilization to 221 BC. Cambridge University Press, 1999.