Program Information

Explore the vast and varied land of seventeenth century Atlantic Africa. "The World of 1607" puts the founding of Jamestown in a global context while focusing on worldwide cultural developments during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Transcript

Lead: “We want people to understand the level of sophistication and complexity that existed in African states of the Jamestown era.” Curator of Jamestown Settlement, Dr. Tom Davidson.

Intro: I’m Steve Clark with “The World of 1607”, Jamestown in a global context, sponsored by Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum near Williamsburg, Virginia.

Content: Seventeenth-century Atlantic Africa was a vast and varied land boasting an estimated population of 20 million and hosting a variety of countries and political systems... at least 150. According to Curator Dr. Tom Davidson, interaction with other parts of the world wasn’t uncommon:

“African states were trading with Asia and Europe and supplying exotic luxury goods to European upper classes.”

While the Portuguese purchased slaves in Africa during this time period, Europeans were seeking items such as ivory, gold, cloth and tropical products.”

Conclusion: To learn more, visit Jamestown Settlement or history is fun dot org.

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