EXEMPLES OF SLAVE MOBILITY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN (16TH-19TH C.)

In Mediterranean slavery between the 16th and 19th century, persons in slavery had occasions, in some cases, to travel, be it to accompany their owners, even to far away destinations such as the Mecca or the Americas; to fulfill received tasks; to follow a new owner; or to reach the recipient to whom they were donated. Especially in Islamic countries, a number of male and female slaves, as known, had opportunities for mobility and social promotion, even reaching high positions of power such as Dey, Bey, High Admiral. Therefore, the equation between slave and 'prisoner' does not appear congruous. Almost all slaves, to attend to their tasks, had also to leave their owner's mansion.