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How did slavery in Africa differ from that in Asia?

Elizebeth Verman

Hey buddy!

I am glad you asked me about the difference between slavery in Africa and Asia. Slavery was practiced in both continents for centuries and had some similarities, but also significant differences.

One of the main distinctions between slavery in Africa and Asia was the nature of the enslavement. In Africa, slavery was primarily based on debt, crime, and war. Tribal wars often resulted in the capture and enslavement of prisoners of war, which functioned as a means of punishing enemy combatants. In contrast, in Asia, slavery was mainly a result of periodic conquests by powerful empires, trade, and religious conquests. The Arab slave trade, for instance, played a significant role in introducing African slaves into Asia.

In Africa, the practice of chattel slavery, which involves the ownership of one human being by another without any rights, was less common than debt slavery, where slaves were still allowed to own property and marry. In Asia, the use of chattel slavery was more widespread, with slaves considered little more than property.

Moreover, in Asia, slaves could gain freedom by converting to the dominant religion or by the status of their masters, whereas in Africa, freeing a slave was done to attain social prestige. The relations between slave owners and slaves were also different in Africa than in Asia. In Africa, slaves were often considered part of the family and could participate in family affairs, while in Asia, they were mostly considered inferior, labor forces.

There is much more to the subject, but in sum, slavery in Africa differed significantly from that in Asia because of the basis for enslavement, the use of chattel slavery, the path to manumission, the status of slaves, and the relation between the slave owners and slaves.

Hope this brief explanation helps you see the differences between slavery in Africa and Asia. Let's talk more about the topic and exchange our opinions.

Best regards