Ethics and Profits

Slaves and Metics held very different roles in ancient Greek history. The responsibilities, treatments, and civic rights of each were carried about by laws and various local customs that drew mixed reactions from individuals in the ancient world that would contribute to the ambiguity of their status in the ancient economy and society. By analyzing ancient texts, scholars can summarize the potential to make a profit from both roles while also collecting evidence that supports the obscurity of each positions’ social flexibility.

According to Xenophon 2.1, one of the metics responsibilities was paying a metic tax to the state in exchange for the freedom to live in the land and profit from its marketplace. This quickly became one of the greatest sources of revenue for the state as they continued to let foreign craftsmen into their culture as metic. The status of a metic was not completely ironed out as they may have had very different civic rights as citizens in one period then in another, however Athenians were obviously very open to bending these cultural barriers if it meant they could make a profit.

Additionally, in both Athens and Sparta, the social flexibility of slaves and metics influence the capability to reap financial benefits. According to Xenophon 1.10-12, slaves were granted much respect and dignity in Athens. Athenians allowed their slaves to live in luxury. Slaves were no different in appearance to freed-men in Athens because Athenian masters wanted to established ownership to slave earnings in exchange for their freedom. Slaves were protected by laws that ensured their well-being. “if it were the law that a slave or metic or freedman could be struck by a free man, you would often hit an Athenian thinking that he were a slave; for the people there are no better dressed than slaves and metics, nor is their appearance any better.” (Xenophon 1.10-12) Athens is a naval power and therefore must benefit financially from being “slaves to your slaves” in order to access to their earnings to maintain its military infrastructure.

Under the leadership of Xanthippos, son of Perikles, 10,000 Athenian citizens invaded the Megarid with the aid of 3,000 metics. In this account from Thucydides 2.31.1-2, it is evident that