14. Venice, Italy
Venice was a major force in the medieval Mediterranean slave trade, trafficking Slavs, North Africans, and others throughout its vast commercial network. The city’s wealth from this trade contributed to its famed palaces, churches, and civic projects, helping shape Venice into a center of art and power. These profits left their mark on Venetian society and culture, reflecting a hidden chapter behind its splendor. For more, see Mediterranean Historical Review.
