Labor Law

Despite the multitude of slaves, hired labour is often needed, especially at harvest. This is a matter of contract, and the employer, who usually pays in advance, might demand a collateral against fulfillment of the work. Cattle were hired for ploughing, working the watering-machines, carting, threshing, etc. the law court fixed a statutory wage for sowers, ox-drivers, field-labourers, and hire for oxen, asses, etc.

There were many herds and flocks. The flocks were committed to a shepherd, who gave receipt for them and took them out to pasture. The law court fixed his wage. He was responsible for all care, must restore ox for ox, sheep for sheep, must breed them satisfactorily. Any dishonest use of the flock had to be repaid ten-fold, but loss due to disease or wild beasts fell upon the owner. The shepherd made good all loss due to his own neglect. If he let the flock feed on a field of crops, he had to pay damages four-fold; if he turned them into standing crops when they ought to have been folded, he paid twelve-fold.

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