The Transatlantic Slave Trade
The Atlantic Slave Trade was one of the largest and most devastating forced migrations in human history, spanning continents and centuries. Its impact shaped the world in ways that still echo today—in culture, economics, and the fight for human rights. Understanding this history is essential to grasping the full weight of the stories we tell and inherit. Click the link below to learn more about the Atlantic Slave Trade and the lives forever changed by it.
Abid al-Bouhkari
'Abid al-Bukhari, or The Black Guard was an elite corps of black-African slaves and Haratin soldiers assembled by Sultan Isma‘il ibn Sharif of Morocco during his reign. This military force played a pivotal role in solidifying the Sultan’s authority and shaping Morocco’s history. Dive deeper into their legacy and the profound impact they had by clicking the link to learn more.
Saint-Domingue
Saint-Domingue was once the richest colony in the world—and also one of the most brutal. Its history is deeply tied to the transatlantic slave trade, the rise of plantation economies, and the resistance that ultimately sparked the Haitian Revolution. Understanding Saint-Domingue sheds light on the roots of colonial power, rebellion, and the fight for freedom. Click the link below to learn more about the complex and powerful history of this island.
The Kingdom of Dahomey
The Kingdom of Dahomey was a powerful and influential West African kingdom known for its military strength, rich culture, and role in the Atlantic slave trade. Learning about Dahomey offers a deeper understanding of African agency, tradition, and the difficult choices faced during a time of global upheaval. Click the link below to explore the fascinating history of the Kingdom of Dahomey.
The Oyo Empire
Renowned for its advanced administration, thriving trade, and formidable cavalry, the Oyo Empire became a dominant political force in Western Africa from the late 16th to early 18th century, encompassing parts of present-day Nigeria and Benin. Its influence extended beyond Yorubaland, shaping the history of neighboring states like the Fon Kingdom of Dahomey. Click the link to delve deeper into the legacy of this remarkable empire and its enduring impact on African history.
Glossary of Nautical Terms
The world of 18th-century seafaring was governed not just by wind and tide, but by a specialized language developed over centuries. Understanding these nautical terms provides deeper insight into life aboard ships like The Calypso, and the people who lived—and died—at sea. Click below to explore the terminology.
The French Slave Ship, Du Teillay
The Du Teillay was a French ship with a layered past—known not only for its role in transatlantic trade but also for its connection to the darker history of slavery. Understanding the story of ships like the Du Teillay sheds light on the human cost behind global commerce in the 18th century. Click the link below to learn more about the Du Teillay and its place in history.
François Mackandal
François Makandal was a legendary maroon leader who became a symbol of resistance in 18th-century Saint-Domingue. Known for his knowledge of herbs and poisons, Makandal led a covert campaign against the plantation system, inspiring fear among enslavers and hope among the enslaved. His life and legacy helped lay the groundwork for the Haitian Revolution. Click the link below to learn more about the man and the movement he helped ignite.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade
The Atlantic Slave Trade was one of the largest and most devastating forced migrations in human history, spanning continents and centuries. Its impact shaped the world in ways that still echo today—in culture, economics, and the fight for human rights. Understanding this history is essential to grasping the full weight of the stories we tell and inherit. Click the link below to learn more about the Atlantic Slave Trade and the lives forever changed by it.
Abid al-Bouhkari
'Abid al-Bukhari, or The Black Guard was an elite corps of black-African slaves and Haratin soldiers assembled by Sultan Isma‘il ibn Sharif of Morocco during his reign. This military force played a pivotal role in solidifying the Sultan’s authority and shaping Morocco’s history. Dive deeper into their legacy and the profound impact they had by clicking the link to learn more.
Saint-Domingue
Saint-Domingue was once the richest colony in the world—and also one of the most brutal. Its history is deeply tied to the transatlantic slave trade, the rise of plantation economies, and the resistance that ultimately sparked the Haitian Revolution. Understanding Saint-Domingue sheds light on the roots of colonial power, rebellion, and the fight for freedom. Click the link below to learn more about the complex and powerful history of this island.
The Kingdom of Dahomey
The Kingdom of Dahomey was a powerful and influential West African kingdom known for its military strength, rich culture, and role in the Atlantic slave trade. Learning about Dahomey offers a deeper understanding of African agency, tradition, and the difficult choices faced during a time of global upheaval. Click the link below to explore the fascinating history of the Kingdom of Dahomey.
The Oyo Empire
Renowned for its advanced administration, thriving trade, and formidable cavalry, the Oyo Empire became a dominant political force in Western Africa from the late 16th to early 18th century, encompassing parts of present-day Nigeria and Benin. Its influence extended beyond Yorubaland, shaping the history of neighboring states like the Fon Kingdom of Dahomey. Click the link to delve deeper into the legacy of this remarkable empire and its enduring impact on African history.
Glossary of Nautical Terms
The world of 18th-century seafaring was governed not just by wind and tide, but by a specialized language developed over centuries. Understanding these nautical terms provides deeper insight into life aboard ships like The Calypso, and the people who lived—and died—at sea. Click below to explore the terminology.
The French Slave Ship, Du Teillay
The Du Teillay was a French ship with a layered past—known not only for its role in transatlantic trade but also for its connection to the darker history of slavery. Understanding the story of ships like the Du Teillay sheds light on the human cost behind global commerce in the 18th century. Click the link below to learn more about the Du Teillay and its place in history.
François Mackandal
François Makandal was a legendary maroon leader who became a symbol of resistance in 18th-century Saint-Domingue. Known for his knowledge of herbs and poisons, Makandal led a covert campaign against the plantation system, inspiring fear among enslavers and hope among the enslaved. His life and legacy helped lay the groundwork for the Haitian Revolution. Click the link below to learn more about the man and the movement he helped ignite.