Was slavery common for the ancient world?

Yes, slavery was a common institution in the ancient world, present in many civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It often involved the exploitation of war captives, debtors, and individuals born into servitude, serving in various capacities from manual labor to skilled positions. Slaves were integral to the economy and social structures of these societies, though the nature and treatment of slavery varied significantly across cultures and periods.