observes, “There is no subject of ancient history more difficult to study and more beset with controversy and dispute.”2 I. PROBLEMS OF AN ADEQUATE DESCRIPTION a. Ideological presuppositions can influence the selection and interpretation of ancient texts. There is a passionately engaged humanitarianism that abhors and detests slavery in any conceivable form; there exists a specifically Jewish or Christian zeal for abolition of slavery in Europe, in North America, or elsewhere; conspicuous also is
Page 3