Slavery's long history shows power, profit, and the fragile rise of freedom.
Some ancient slave markets used human body weight as currency for goods and services.
In certain empires, enslaved people could buy freedom with earned wages from specialized crafts.
Slavery spikes in early civilizations often financed monumental projects more than taxation did.
Captives sometimes served as portable wealth used to barter across vast trade networks over generations.
Some ancient slave markets used human body weight as currency for goods and services.
In certain empires, enslaved people could buy freedom with earned wages from specialized crafts.
Slavery spikes in early civilizations often financed monumental projects more than taxation did.
Captives sometimes served as portable wealth used to barter across vast trade networks over generations.
