Historical and Contextual Knowledge Flashcards
Why is the Open Letter of July 1596 significant?
It has caused much debate amongst academics. Some argue that Elizabeth is ordering the deportation of black people. And some academics argue that Casper van Senden is the individual facilitating and encouraging this deportation for monetary purposes.
When was the Open Letter discussing Black people sent to the Lord Mayors and Elizabeth?
July 1596
Why are there so few archival records on black people?
Because records primarily focused on male landowners rather than on women, ethnic minorities and poor people.
What is the other reason why there are so few archival records on black people?
The unseeability of black people: black people’s names were Anglicized or replaced all together and usually race or skin colour wasn’t included in records.
When did attitudes to slavery change in England?
In 1677 when black people were commoditised and seen as property of merchants.
What is the Old English word for a Black person?
Blacche
By the thirteenth century, what were the two common words used to describe Black people or non-white people?
Saracen or Moor
In the late Middle Ages in Scotland, how did they spell ‘Moor’
Moir
What is a Saracen?
The term Saracen was used in the Late Middle Ages and Early Renaissance to usually describe a Muslim or African Muslim (North African).
How many Africans has Kaufmann living in England and Scotland in the Early Modern period?
Over 350 people.
How many Africans has Kaufmann found living in Scotland in the Early Modern period?
13
What was the other Scottish word for ‘Moor’?
Moiren
What was the percentage African people living in Portugal in the Early Modern period?
10% of the Portuguese population was of African descent.
Name some of the professions Africans had in Early Modern England.
Domestic servants, performers, skilled laborers with varying levels of independence, and also slaves.
What does Morisco mean?
A Spanish term for a Muslim or Moorish person.
What tournament did James IV of Scotland preside over in 1507?
The Tournament of the Black Lady and Black Knight.
When were the first enslaved Africans imported to Portugal?
1444
Who is/was the first Black African to be depicted/painted in Britain?
John Blanke
What were the three main Early Modern theories for the reason Black people had dark skin?
- Darkness caused by climate
- Darkness caused by divine punishment (The Curse of Ham)
- Darkness caused by proximity to the sun.
Who/what was behind the theory that Black people were dark because of climate?
Pliny the Elder
Who/what was behind the theory that Black people were dark due to divine punishment?
The book of Genesis/The Curse of Ham
Who/what was behind the theory that Black people were dark due to their proximity to the sun?
Ptolemy
Were Black people depicted in 16th century Renaissance art?
Yes. The Black magnus and the painting of Black saints were common to see. It tried to show the reach and grip of Christendom
According ti a 1565 census, how many Afro-Spainards were living in Seville at the time?
Around 13.5% of the population was Black. It deemed the ‘Blackest’ city in Europe.
How many enslaved Africans does Fernandez Alvarez estimate were living in Spain by the end of the sixteenth century?
44,000.
What percentage does Gustav Ungerer estimate Black people made up of the London populace in the 1590s?
Around 0.5% of the population.
