site banner

Small-Scale Question Sunday for April 19, 2026

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

1
Jump in the discussion.

No email address required.

Quote from By This Axe (a sourcebook for ACKS (the Adventurer Conqueror King System), whose author prides himself on thorough historical research):

Throughout Europe during classical and late antiquity, and well into the modern age in many places worldwide, most mines were worked by slaves. However, there is some archaeological evidence that some mines were worked by paid laborers. For instance: There are over a thousand ancient graves at the Hallstatt salt mines, and all of the bodies are interred with valuable grave goods that suggest care and respect for the dead. These might be the graves of miners, and if so that would suggest paid labor.

My cursory Internet searching did not find anything super-helpful, but here are some articles about slavery in Scotland.

Interesting links. It seems coercive labor, even if it's not "slavery" per se, crops up almost everywhere you have civilization.