Origins of the African Diaspora

Manufactured goods

Gold

Spices

Textiles

Decreased wealth and power due to resource depletion

Increased wealth and power for kingdoms involved in the trade

Decline in social hierarchy

Widespread adoption of Christianity

Decreased trade between Europe and West Africa

Increased European presence in West Africa and the arrival of enslaved Africans

Religious persecution of Africans in their homelands

The decline of trans-Saharan trade routes

Africans in Lisbon were primarily merchants, while those in Seville were mainly enslaved laborers.

Africans in Seville had more opportunities for social mobility than those in Lisbon.

Both cities saw Africans in diverse roles, including enslaved laborers, merchants, and diplomats.

Africans were excluded from participating in trade in both Lisbon and Seville.

To escape political persecution in their homelands

To seek economic opportunities as laborers

To pursue education and learn about European culture

To lead military campaigns against European powers

The presence of Africans in various roles indicated a complete absence of social hierarchy.

The presence of Africans in roles such as domestic laborers, boatmen, and even knights reflected a complex social structure with varying degrees of freedom and status.

All Africans in Mediterranean cities were treated as equals regardless of their roles.

African elites were automatically granted high social status in Mediterranean cities.

14th century

15th century

16th century

17th century

Gold mining and diamond extraction

Textile manufacturing and shipbuilding

Cotton, indigo, and sugar plantations

Cattle ranching and wheat farming

It demonstrated the unprofitability of slave labor in plantation agriculture.

It established democratic governments that respected the rights of all inhabitants.

It developed techniques for managing large populations of enslaved workers and demonstrated the profitability of enslaved African labor.

It promoted religious tolerance and cultural exchange between Europeans and Africans.

5,000

50,000

500,000

5,000,000