Ancient Slavery and Its Modern Influence

FAIN: FB-10558-70

David S. Wiesen
Brandeis University (Waltham, MA 02453-2728)

Research to show how the study of Greek and Roman classics influence the debate for and against slavery in the years preceding the American Civil War. Since the history and literature of classical antiquity formed the core of the humanistic curriculum in American universities of the 19th century, it was natural for both opponents and proponents to introduce into their argumentation evidence drawn from the ancient world. Fellow, as teacher of classics, feels it important to show how deeply the classical influence is embedded in our cultural heritage.