I probably posted something like this before, but just in case I havent:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazdak
I think this may the 1st revolutionary egalitarian socialist doctrine put to practice.
One can find some earlier references in some Greek writings: such as certain fashionable ideas of the time being made fun of in some comedies by Aristophanes - but as far as I know this is the first time the real deal occured at a conscience level.
"As in a kaleidoscope, the constellation of forces operating in the system as a whole is ever changing." - Ludwig Lachmann
"When A Man Dies A World Goes Out of Existence" - GLS Shackle
In case you're wondering:
PRAXAGORA: Compulsory Universal Community Property is what I propose to propose; acrosstheboard Economic Equality, to fill those fissures that scar our society's face. No more the division between Rich and Poor. ... ...We'll wear the same clothes, and share the same food. ...
...My initial move will be to communalize land, and money, and all other property, personal and real
BLEPYROS: But take the landless man who's invisibly wealthy...because he hides his silver and gold in his pockets. What about him?
PRAXAGORA: He'll deposit it all in the Fund. ... ...I'll knock out walls and remodel the City into one big happy household, where all can come and go as they choose. ...
...I'm pooling the women, creating a public hoard for the use of every man who wishes to take them to bed and make babies.
BLEPYROS: A system like this requires a pretty wise father to know his own children.
PRAXAGORA: But why does he need to? Age is the new criterion: Children will henceforth trace their descent from all men who might have begot them. ...
BLEPYROS: Who's going to work the land and produce the food?
PRAXAGORA: The slaves. This leaves you just one civic function: When the shades of night draw on, slip sleekly down to dinner. ...
...The State's not going to stint. Its hand is full and open, its heart is large, it'll stuff its menfolk free of charge,
then issue them torches when dinner's done and send them out to hunt for fun.
From Aristophanes Ekklesiazousai
So far as I know this may the 1st time the doctrine was ever spelled out loud (390 BC). You can probably look at wikipedia for the plot summary, or better yet, just read the play - it's funny.
Even more amusing is that she, honestly enough, pins the work on the slaves.