History of South America

How far back does the use of slaves go?

Slavery has existed throughout recorded human history. The earliest known evidence of slavery dates back to the Neolithic period (around 10,000 BC), when humans began to settle down and form permanent communities. In these early societies, slaves were often captured in warfare or were born into slavery. They were used for a variety of purposes, including manual labor, domestic service, and sexual exploitation.

Over time, slavery became more institutionalized and widespread. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, slavery was a central part of the economy. Slaves were used to build pyramids, temples, and other large-scale projects. They also worked in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. In the Roman Empire, slaves made up as much as one-third of the population.

Slavery continued to exist in many parts of the world until the 19th century. In the United States, slavery was legal until 1865, when it was abolished by the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution. However, slavery still exists in some parts of the world today, although it is illegal in most countries.