Some historians believe that there were great benefits for enslaved people becoming a part of Mesopotamian households. How does this theory compare with other historians' thoughts? (1 point)

Question

Other historians believe that great benefits came from owning businesses or selling their own goods.

Other historians believe that the benefits were not similar to the benefits free members of a household had.

Other historians believe that being accepted into a poor household could help foreign captives move up in society.

Other historians believe that enslaved people were treated more like servants.

Answer 1

The theory that enslaved people in Mesopotamian households may have experienced some benefits contrasts with the views of other historians, particularly the notion that the benefits they experienced were not comparable to those of free members of the household. This perspective emphasizes that, while there may have been some advantages to being integrated into a household, such as better living conditions or access to resources, enslaved individuals still lacked the fundamental rights and freedoms enjoyed by free members, limiting their overall quality of life.

In addition, some historians argue that being accepted into any household—regardless of its wealth—could provide a chance for social mobility. This view suggests that foreign captives or enslaved individuals who were embraced by even poorer households might find opportunities for advancement that were otherwise unavailable.

On the other hand, there are historians who focus on the similarities between the experiences of enslaved individuals and those of low-status servants, arguing that despite potential benefits, the overall treatment and status of enslaved people remained inferior compared to free individuals.

In comparison to these differing views, one must consider the complexities of social structures in ancient Mesopotamia and how the nuances of each household's circumstance might shape the experiences of enslaved individuals.