The Royal Decree allowing Morisco slavery was issued by King Philip II in 1573, following the defeat of Morisco rebels in the Alpujarras mountains (north of Granada andalusia), thus ending a war that had lasted three years (1569-1571). Moriscos (Muslims who had remained in the Kingdom of Granada following its conquest by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492) had been baptised by force in 1500, being known thereafter as “New Christians”. Since Christians could not enslave other Christians, King Philip II of Spain sought the advice of the ecclesiastical authorities, who opined that Morisco adults of either sex could be sold as slaves because they were former Muslims and only paid lip-service to Christianity. Girls (under 9-and-a-half years of age) and boys (under 10-and-a-half years) should not be sold as slaves, but put to work as servants in Christian homes until the age of 20. Morisco slaves had remained in Spain following the Decrees for Expulsion on 10 July 1610 and 20 March 1611 precisely because they were considered private property. This article analyzes the legal and philosophical debate regarding Morisco slavery, its implementation and consequences.
Source: World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization
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