Many of these people, in Spain and Portugal, had been brought against their will – starting with whole groups of men and women kidnapped by the early explorers. Formal slavery existed in at least the first half-century after Columbus, until the enslavement of “Indians” was outlawed by the Spanish government in 1542 (though Queen Isabella had tried to stop it as early as 1500). There are no reliable totals, but it’s clear that at least several thousand had been shipped to Spain during that time.

You also recount several cases of Indigenous people starting families with Europeans, willingly or unwillingly. Could you give some examples?You may change or cancel your subscription or trial at any time online. Simply log into Settings & Account and select "Cancel" on the right-hand side. My hope is that this book tells their stories, and many others, in a way that will transform public understanding of this famous period of history.” Dodds C & Mangan JE (2006) Trading Roles: Gender, Ethnicity, and the Urban Economy in Colonial Potosí. The Sixteenth Century Journal, 37(4), 1134-1134.

For highlights from the latest issue, our archive and the blog, as well as news, events and exclusive promotions. In this insightful book, an underwater archaeologist and survival coach shows how understanding the collapse of civilizations can help us prepare for a troubled future. If you are new to the subject of Indigenous Americans this might be a good place to start, especially with this specific area of inquiry. Ugaz’s case is all too familiar in Peru, where powerful groups regularly use the courts to silence journalists by fabricating criminal allegations against them.’A groundbreaking, urgent report from the front lines of "dirty work"—the work that society considers essential but morally compromised On Savage Shores is a work of historical recovery . . . few books make as compelling a case for such a reimagining" — David Olusoga , GUARDIAN, Book of the Day On Savage Shores is a work of historical recovery . . . few books make as compelling a case for such a reimagining”— David Olusoga , GUARDIAN, Book of the Day