, the military slaves, were normally liberated at some stage in their career, and their offspring were therefore free 3. In general, only the lower orders of slaves -- menial,and not slaves. domestic, and manual workers -- remained in the condition of servitude and transmitted that condition to their descendants. There were not many such descendants -- casual mating was not permitted and marriage was not encouraged. 4. There was a high death toll among all classes of slaves, including great military commanders as well as humble menials. Slaves came mainly from remote places, and, lacking immunities, died in large numbers from endemic as well as epidemic diseases. Purchase: This became the most important means for the legal acquisition of new slaves. Slaves were purchased from outside, and were then imported into the Islamic nations.. In the Roman world, the slave population was occasionally recruited from outside, when a new territory was conquered. However, most slaves came from internal sources. This was not possible in the Islamic empire. Though enslavement was outlawed, slavery was still legal. This provided for great slave trade. Though there were similarities between Greco-Roman and African slavery, that were differences that must be distinguished. In most cases, slavery systems in Africa were more like indentured servitude. Slaves retained some rights and children born to slaves were generally born free. Slaves could be released from servitude and join a family clan, they were not bound for life, and when set free were not outsiders. In contrast, Greco-Roman slaves were chattel, or property, who were usually stripped of their rights. The cycle of slavery was perpetual; children of slaves would, by default, also be slaves. There were different classes of slaves, and all were not restricted to servitude for life. A slave could marry, but only by consent of the master. Theoretically, a male slave could marry a fre...
