Why were peasants basically slaves

They are basically slaves because They are at the bottom of everything, since they are poor. They have to work all day just to earn some money for a living, They also have no rights to complain to their bosses because they need the Change just to feed families. They barely have any food. Also they are Mostly seen wearing broken sandals, ETC. Even in Egypt they are at the bottom of the Pyramid. Last but not least they are always paying debts and taxes off.