Medieval Slave Trade

The medieval slave trade was a significant aspect of commerce from the 5th to the 15th centuries, involving the buying and selling of enslaved people, primarily in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Slavery existed alongside other forms of labor and was often linked to warfare, where captives were sold into slavery. Enslaved individuals were used in agriculture, mining, and domestic service. Trade routes facilitated the movement of enslaved people, contributing to local economies, while the demand for labor influenced social structures. The slave trade had lasting effects on societies, economies, and cultures throughout the medieval period.