The Redemption of Captives, Organisation, and the Order of the Most Holy Trinity
Miguel de Cervantes, Filipe Terzi, and Manuel de Sousa Coutinho (known as Frei Luís de Sousa) were among the most renowned “captives” in North Africa—prisoners of war during conflicts between Christians and Muslims. Edite Alberto is well-versed in their histories. As the historian explains, maritime raids and piracy along coastal and island regions were common practices by both Europeans and North Africans to capture prisoners. Ships were frequently seized as well. For many captives, the next step was “redemption,” the process of securing their release through payment. This could take decades and, for Christian captives, often relied on funds collected primarily by the Order of the Most Holy Trinity. However, it was not only people who were ransomed. Religious images were also taken captive and subsequently redeemed, according to Alberto. She further highlights the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims in many contexts within the Mediterranean world.
Edite Alberto is a CHAM integrated researcher with a PhD in Modern History and a Master’s degree in Discoveries and Portuguese Modern History. She coordinates the project “MOVING CITY – Cities for War: A European Army in Morocco in the 16th Century,” funded by FCT, and the project “COEXIST – Forced Migrations in the Mediterranean World: Identities, Contacts, and Integration between Christians and Muslims,” funded by CHAM. She has contributed to various projects focusing on the Portuguese presence in Morocco from the 16th to 18th centuries, the history of board games in Portugal, and the marks of science and technology in Lisbon. She also collaborated on the project “LxConventos – Religious Houses of Lisbon: From Sacred City to Secular City.” Currently, she works in the Department of Cultural Heritage of Lisbon City Council and is one of the coordinators of the project “Hospital Real de Todos os Santos: The City and Public Health in the Early Modern Age.”
The interview is conducted by Teresa Lacerda.
Coordenation
Isabel Araújo Branco (CHAM)
Organization
CHAM / NOVA FCSH
