History of Slavery

Since ancient times, the long shadow of slavery has cast its shadow over world history. Even today about 40 million people live in modern slavery. In this volume, Andreas Eckert traces the history of a social institution which can be found in very different forms in all cultures and at all times, especially in Africa and the Atlantic region. His knowledgeable account also explores the question of what motivated slave traders and slave owners to create and maintain such cruel conditions. He shows how a socialy accepted evil could turn into a commonly outlawed practice.