It is possible that the word "freedom" actually originated in the Middle East. The ancient texts show that its origin is at least as old as Lagash, and the concept probably goes back to even earlier times.

Historically, the word "freedom" appears to have been used most often to indicate a condition of privilege, bestowed upon a particular person or group of people by their religious or political leaders.

It was not, at that time, viewed as a "right" to which all men were naturally entitled, but a special condition of privilege that was granted to the "in" crowd.

If an individual was an outsider, he was not entitled to freedom. He would have been commonly viewed with suspicion, and thought of as a stranger and/or an enemy, unless and until he was ceremonially inducted into the "in" group, at which time he was "given" freedom.

As a free "citizen", a person would be granted certain privilages, protections and immunities, rights and protections not given or afforded to those not in the privilaged "in" group. Only "citizens" were free. "Non-citizens" were considered an underclass, not quite at the same level of humanity as citizens, and not posessing any rights at all.

Even today, many people continue to believe that freedom has little more than a political connotation, and that the holders of power can bestow freedom (or rights) or withhold them at will to suit their own convenience and purposes.

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