Abstract: The clue of social development in ancient Greece and Rome, is interpreted by Marx and Engels, as a process evolving from “clan community bondage” to “individual alienation”. A similar clue is also found within a history from the Middle Ages (feudal hierarchy)to the civil society. A comparison of such tells that the two stages of history fall into just two versions of the same concept. In other words, Marx and Engels’ historical view of ancient Greece and Rome is the prelude to their syllogism of “community bondage” → “individual alienation” →“individual freedom” in the historical view of human social development, and its real purpose is to finally realize “individual freedom” and “a community of free men”.

Key words: Marx and Engels, Greek and Roman history, clan community, alienation, community of freeman