15 Forgotten Slave Trades Outside the Atlantic World - History Collection

7. The Chinese Eunuch and Domestic Slave System

Slavery in China has a long and complex history, reaching its height during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Eunuchs—often boys taken through war or purchase—served in the imperial court, wielding considerable influence over state affairs. Alongside eunuchs, domestic slaves performed household, agricultural, and administrative labor. These practices, fueled by both warfare and trade, left a lasting mark on Chinese society and governance. Read about slavery in Asia

8. Slavery in Ancient Greece and Rome

In Ancient Greece and Rome, slavery was fundamental to the very structure of society. People became slaves through war, piracy, or by being born into servitude. Enslaved individuals worked not only in agriculture and households, but also in skilled trades, education, and administration. The labor and talents of slaves underpinned the classical economies, fueling the rise of powerful city-states and empires. Their presence and contributions shaped daily life and left a deep imprint on Western civilization. More on Greco-Roman slavery

9. The Viking Slave Trade

The Viking slave trade was a driving force behind the Norse economy and expansion. Vikings raided Ireland, Britain, and Eastern Europe, capturing men, women, and children—known as thralls. These slaves were traded across Europe and even as far as the Middle East. Slavery permeated every level of Viking society, providing labor, wealth, and status to those who controlled the trade. Read more about Viking thralls

10. The African Sahelian Slave Networks

Long before European colonization, powerful kingdoms in the African Sahel—such as Mali and Songhai—built wealth on the backs of enslaved war captives. These internal slave trades moved people across the Sahel and into North Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Enslaved individuals worked in agriculture, armies, and royal courts, helping shape the region’s economic and cultural landscapes. The legacy of these Sahelian networks continues to influence West African societies today. Learn about slavery in Africa

11. The Persian Empire’s Use of Slaves

The Persian Empire, from the Achaemenid era onward, relied heavily on enslaved people drawn from its vast, conquered lands. Slaves performed crucial labor in agriculture, construction, administration, and even the military. Their presence shaped the empire’s social and economic structures, allowing Persian rulers to maintain their extensive territories and build legendary monuments. This system of forced labor left a significant mark on the development of Persian society. More on slavery in the Persian Empire

12. Indigenous Slavery in the Americas Pre-Columbus

Long before European arrival, many Indigenous societies in the Americas practiced various forms of slavery. Among the Aztec and Maya, captives were often forced into labor, tribute, or ritual sacrifice.
In the Pacific Northwest, groups like the Haida and Tlingit enslaved war captives and incorporated them into their communities. These systems were complex, with meanings and practices distinct from later European-imposed slavery, yet they significantly shaped social hierarchies and cultural life. Learn about indigenous slavery in the Americas

13. The Circassian Slave Trade

The Circassian slave trade saw countless men and women taken from the Caucasus and sold into the Ottoman Empire and neighboring regions. Circassian women, in particular, were highly valued for their perceived beauty and often became concubines or elite servants in royal households. This trade not only devastated Circassian communities but also influenced the courts and harems of the Middle East, leaving a complex legacy within Ottoman society. Read about the Circassian slave trade

14. The Thai and Southeast Asian Slave Trades

In Southeast Asia, including Siam (modern Thailand), slavery was rooted in warfare, debt, and social hierarchy. War captives and debtors were routinely enslaved, serving in royal courts, agriculture, and households. Regional trade networks linked Southeast Asia’s slave markets with those of China and India, spreading people and cultures across vast distances. These systems shaped the ethnic and social landscape of the region for generations. Explore slavery in Southeast Asia

15. The Pacific Islander Blackbirding Trade

In the 19th century, blackbirding devastated communities across the Pacific Islands. Thousands of men, women, and children were kidnapped or deceived, then shipped to plantations in Australia, Fiji, and Peru for harsh, unpaid labor. This exploitative trade not only decimated island populations but also left lasting scars on families and cultures. The legacy of blackbirding still shapes Pacific Islander identity and memory today. Read more about the Pacific blackbirding trade

Conclusion

The history of slavery is far more diverse and widespread than the Atlantic narrative alone suggests. From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, and from ancient China to the Sahel, forgotten slave trades have shaped entire societies, leaving profound social, cultural, and economic legacies. By understanding and acknowledging these histories, we can better recognize the enduring impact of enslavement worldwide. Let us reflect on these stories—not only to honor those who suffered, but also to confront the modern echoes of this global injustice.

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