Justin Marozzi

Justin Marozzi, historian and author of Captives and Companions, draws on travel and archives to map slavery across the Islamic world. He covers the scale and timelines of the trade, legal and religious frameworks, trans-Saharan horrors, Barbary corsairs, hereditary slavery in West Africa, and why some forms persist today.

In this discussion, historian and journalist Justin Marozzi dives deep into the complex history of slavery in the Islamic world. Marozzi explores how pre-Islamic practices evolved under Islamic texts and laws. He highlights the role of concubinage, the ethics of manumission, and the stark realities faced by enslaved individuals. The conversation addresses how war, religion, and economics shaped slave sourcing, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa as a primary region. Marozzi emphasizes the importance of recovering enslaved voices and urges a more nuanced understanding of this often-neglected topic.

Justin Marozzi, historian and journalist and author of Captives and Companions, maps slavery across the Islamic world from the 7th century to modern day. He traces routes from sub-Saharan Africa to Central Asia. He explores legal frameworks, diverse roles like soldiers and concubines, shifting hierarchies and modern legacies in places such as Mali and Mauritania.

Justin Marozzi, a journalist and historian, delves into the life of Herodotus, hailed as the 'Father of History.' He explores how Herodotus's experiences during the Persian Wars shaped his storytelling and view of democracy. The conversation reveals Herodotus's unique method of combining first-person narrative with digressions about cultures and customs. Marozzi also discusses Herodotus’s fascination with Egypt and his moral interpretation of historical events, presenting insights on how he influenced Western understanding of identity and freedom.

Justin Marozzi, a journalist and historian, explores the implications of the recent coup in Venezuela for Iran, revealing the deep, historic ties between the two nations. Lisa Haseldine, a political commentator focused on defense, discusses Britain's military readiness, criticizing its lack of expansion compared to European allies amidst rising global tensions. Their insights delve into the geopolitical landscape, the changing dynamics of military preparedness in Europe, and the unforeseen consequences of international events.