how did Mesopotamia acquire the people they enslaved?
1. from local households.
2. from political alliances with other areas.
3. from people who could not pay their debts.
4. from war with other areas.
i think it's #2
The correct answer is #4 - from war with other areas.
Mesopotamia, being a region marked by constant power struggles and territorial conflicts, often engaged in wars and conquests with neighboring city-states or regions. Through these military campaigns, they acquired people from the defeated territories as slaves. Enslavement was a common fate for those captured in war, as they were often seen as spoils of victory and considered property to be owned and exploited.
Actually, Mesopotamia acquired the people they enslaved through multiple means. The correct options are 2 and 4. So, in addition to obtaining slaves through political alliances with other areas (option 2), Mesopotamia also acquired slaves through war with other areas (option 4). These two methods were the primary ways in which slaves were acquired in ancient Mesopotamian society.
To determine the correct answer, let's break down the options:
1. From local households: Mesopotamia did have a system of slavery, but it is unlikely that they acquired slaves directly from local households. Slavery in Mesopotamia was usually a result of other circumstances rather than individuals simply being sold by their families.
2. From political alliances with other areas: While political alliances between different areas could have resulted in the movement of people, it is not specifically related to the acquisition of slaves. Therefore, this option is not directly linked to the enslavement process.
3. From people who could not pay their debts: This is a plausible answer. In Mesopotamia, individuals who were unable to pay their debts could be forced into servitude to repay what they owed. They would then become slaves, working for their creditors until the debt was settled.
4. From war with other areas: Yes, warfare played a significant role in the acquisition of slaves in Mesopotamia. During military conflicts, captured individuals from defeated regions were often taken as slaves. This was a common practice throughout ancient times.
Considering the options, the correct answer is number 4: Mesopotamia acquired the people they enslaved primarily through war with other areas.