The commonest historic Greek time period denoting a servant is doulos (). This phrase encompasses a broad spectrum of servitude, starting from family workers and laborers to enslaved people. Different associated phrases embody oikets (), referring to a family servant, and therapon (), which regularly designates a higher-status attendant or squire.
Understanding the nuances of those phrases gives helpful perception into the social constructions and financial techniques of historic Greece. The idea of service performed a major function of their society, influencing every part from day by day life to political energy. Analyzing the assorted phrases used to explain completely different types of service reveals the complexities of those hierarchical relationships and the various levels of freedom and accountability related to every function.