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The Secret of Portuguese Slavery: How Did This Ancient Institution Predate the Formation of a State?
Slavery in Portugal has a long history, even before the founding of the country. Residents in the territory of present-day Portugal often became slaves, and also enslaved other people. In the pre-independence period, slavery in Portugal evolved over time, with profound consequences for the social and economic structure.
"Slavery played a pivotal role in the economic structure of ancient societies."
This system did not die out with the advent of Portuguese independence, but flourished even more after the establishment of the kingdom. Portugal played a major role in the Atlantic slave trade, transporting large numbers of slaves from Africa and elsewhere to the Americas, especially Brazil.
In 1736, the Marquis of Pombal banned the import of black slaves from Portugal in Europe, but at the same time encouraged the transportation of black slaves to Brazil, showing the two-sided attitude towards the slave trade. It was not until 1869 that slavery was officially abolished in Portugal, a process that spanned several centuries.
History
Ancient Times
During classical times, slavery was a major economic and social institution in Europe. The Portuguese region at that time was incorporated into the Roman Empire and became part of Lusitania. While there are few details about the Portuguese slavery system, it is known that slavery was common in society at the time, consisting primarily of enslaved miners and domestic servants.
Visigo Kingdom and Suevi Kingdom
With the decline of the Roman Empire, Portugal became part of the Vicoran and Suevi kingdoms that emerged. During this period, slavery did not change much, but over time, feudalism gradually replaced the previous slave system.
Iberia under Islamic ruleIn the 8th century, with the Muslim conquest of Spain, Portugal also fell under Islamic rule. Slavery during this period was very different from that in other regions, influenced by culture and trade, and the more vocal Christian slaves gradually adapted to the new social environment after experiencing specific laws and taxation systems.
Reconquista
During the Reconquista, many Muslim slaves were captured by Portugal, a process that further deepened the slavery system in Portugal, especially as Muslim slaves accounted for a significant proportion of the population at the time.
Age of Discovery
Starting in 1441, Portugal's eagerness to explore Africa led to the large-scale import of African slaves, a process that became an important part of the triangular slave trade. Portuguese navigators began transporting large numbers of black slaves to Brazil and other colonies, reflecting the demand at the time. Likewise, the slave trade between Japan and China also emerged from the 16th century.
"In 1480, Portugal's slave trade reached its peak and became one of the world's largest slave trading platforms."
The demand for slaves made slavery an important part of survival even in Portugal's limited economy. The system became increasingly monopolized by the royal family and trading companies until it changed in the 18th century.
Slaves on the other side - Asians
Portugal also began trading in Asian povos after coming into contact with Japan and China. As trade demand grew, Westerners began to seize large numbers of slaves from Asia, a process that still causes controversy and reflection today.
Portugal's active role in this long and complex slavery system, from the ancient slave trade market to its later development, is undoubtedly a part of history that deserves detailed exploration. The legacy of slavery in Portugal still leaves traces in certain aspects of local society. So, what impact does this history have on modern Portuguese society?
