Although slavery has been practised for almost the whole of recorded history, the vast numbers involved in the African slave trade has left a legacy which can not be ignored. Slavery has had such an impact that links may be found in many of the African History subject areas.

Slavery and the Slave Trade
African people have been captured and sold as slaves within their own continent, across the Atlantic, and in the East. Even today, reports in the news suggest slavery still exists.

In addition to the main subject category above, additional links may be found under these subject areas:

Biographies of Famous People

Olaudah Equiano
A detailed description of the life of Olaudah Equiano, who was captured as a slave at the age of 11. He was sold to a naval captain and then to a merchant, so spent a long time at sea. On buying his freedom in 1766, he headed to London where he wrote a book about his experiences.

Maps of Africa

Africa and the Diaspora Movement
Map of the African Diaspora showing the principal sea routs of the Arabian, European and American Slave Trade and a map of "organized return movements" which were triggered by the Pan African Congress during its time in exile in England.

Primary Sources and Documents

Slave stories
Thousands of Africans were sold as slaves and shipped to the New World. It's impossible not to be affected by these personal accounts from people who became slaves and from the slave traders who made their living from the purchase and sale of humans.

Timelines

Atlantic Slave Trade
A timeline of the trading of slaves between Africa and the Americas, from 1502 to 1841.

Timeline -- Slavery in the Cape Colony
Many South Africans are the descendants of slaves brought to the Cape Colony from 1653 until 1822.