Slavery has a long history that predates the 15th century. Slavery existed in various forms in many cultures and societies throughout the world, including ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
In ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece, slaves were often prisoners of war, criminals, or people who could not pay their debts. They were considered property and could be bought, sold, or even killed by their owners.
Slavery in Africa existed before the arrival of Europeans and was often based on debt or as a form of punishment for crimes. However, it was not the same as the transatlantic slave trade that began in the 15th century and involved the forced transportation of millions of Africans to the Americas.
In Asia, slavery was also common and included practices such as debt bondage, where a person would become a slave to pay off a debt, and indentured servitude, where a person would work for a set period of time in exchange for food, shelter, and protection.
In the Americas, indigenous peoples practiced forms of slavery before the arrival of Europeans. For example, the Aztecs and Incas enslaved people from conquered tribes. However, the transatlantic slave trade that began in the 15th century was on a much larger scale and involved the enslavement of millions of Africans who were forcibly transported to the Americas.
Overall, slavery has been a part of human history for thousands of years, taking on various forms and existing in many different cultures and societies. It remains a deeply troubling and painful legacy that has had lasting impacts on the lives of millions of people around the world.