• fine_sandy_bottom
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    1 month ago

    I think the difference between employee and slave is much less than we might think in today’s terms.

    The workers were there by choice, and they were treated well enough to want to be there, but I don’t think most of them were paid a wage.

    • Chocrates@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      Per the “fall of civilizations” podcast they were indeed compensated and treated well.

      I have not read their sources so I can’t confirm, but I have no reason to disbelieve them.

      • fine_sandy_bottom
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        1 month ago

        I too am a fan of fall of civilisations!

        What does “compensated well” mean in this context though? There was no currency with which to pay. I thought compensation was mostly food, beer, and lodging.