Portugal's African Fortresses: Elmina, Mombasa and the Slave Trade

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Portuguese network of African fortresses, focusing on São Jorge da Mina (Elmina) in present-day Ghana and Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Kenya. They discuss how these stone strongholds served as hubs for gold, ivory, and later the transatlantic slave trade. The conversation covers the founding of Elmina in 1482 by Diogo de Azambuja, its capture by the Dutch in 1637, and the construction of Fort Jesus by the Portuguese in 1593 to control the Swahili coast. They also delve into the role of local African polities like the Asante Empire and the Omani resistance that eventually expelled the Portuguese from East Africa. The episode examines the economic and human cost of the fort system, including the rise of the slave trade and the lasting impact on African societies. Listeners will learn about the feitoria system, the caravel ships that connected these outposts, and the strategic rivalry with the Omani Empire. This episode builds on previous discussions of Portuguese expansion in Asia and Brazil, offering a focused look at Africa's role in the Portuguese Empire. #Portugal #Africa #Elmina #FortJesus #Mombasa #SlaveTrade #GoldCoast #SwahiliCoast #DiogodeAzambuja #OmaniEmpire #Asante #Fortresses #EstadoDaIndia #FexingoHistory #History #Colonialism #WestAfrica #EastAfrica Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo