Individuals held in bondage within urban environments performed a wide array of labor, contributing significantly to the economic and social fabric of those communities. These individuals were often forced to work as domestic servants, artisans, dockworkers, and in various other industries that supported the burgeoning city life. Their experiences were diverse, shaped by the specific city, the nature of their enslaver, and the tasks they were compelled to undertake. An example includes enslaved individuals crafting goods in urban workshops or performing essential maintenance within affluent households.
The presence and labor of this population were crucial to the development and functioning of many urban centers. Their uncompensated work fueled economic growth, supported the lifestyles of the enslavers, and maintained vital infrastructure. Understanding their role provides crucial insights into the complex dynamics of urban societies and the pervasive impact of this dehumanizing system. The study of their lives sheds light on the resilience, resistance, and contributions of a group whose stories are often marginalized or overlooked in broader historical narratives.
