jun 18, 1452 - Dum Diversas released

Description:

The Dum Diversas was a Papul Bull (a public decree) issued by Pope Nicholas V in 1452 that allowed King Afonso V of Portugal (and eventually other Catholic rulers) to legally enslave non-christians and people of colour. This decree lead to an overall depreciation of European society as it allowed slavery to not just be religiously justified but endorsed by the Catholic church. The historical significance of this can not be understated, since it would be a catalyst for centuries of using Christianity to uphold slavery and squash arguments for abolition. However, this Papul Bull was later a source of shame for the Catholic church given the modern historical worldview of slavery. Overall, the Dum Diversas is significant for being a starting point for the atlantic slave trade, however Slavery had existed througout European history before it was made religious law.

Added to timeline:

Date:

Images: