The First European Slave Market in Lagos is a historic site that played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. Located in the bustling city of Lagos, this market was the first point of contact between European slave traders and African slaves. The market was established in the 15th century by the Portuguese, who had arrived in Lagos in search of trade opportunities.
The market was strategically located near the Lagos harbor, which made it easy for slave traders to transport slaves from the interior of the country to the coast. The slaves were then sold to European traders who would take them across the Atlantic to work on plantations in the Americas.
The market was a hub of activity, with traders from all over Europe and Africa converging to buy and sell slaves. The slaves were kept in cramped and unsanitary conditions, with little regard for their well-being. They were often subjected to brutal treatment, including beatings and torture, as they were viewed as nothing more than commodities.
Despite the inhumane treatment of the slaves, the market was a thriving business for many years. It was eventually abolished in the 19th century, as the abolitionist movement gained momentum and the transatlantic slave trade was outlawed.
Today, the First European Slave Market in Lagos stands as a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during the transatlantic slave trade. It serves as a testament to the resilience of the African people, who have overcome centuries of oppression and continue to thrive in the face of adversity.
