An early New Mexico Indian agent who, originally unfamiliar with Indigenous slavery, became involved in the region's slavery practices and recorded details about the debt peonage system.

A 16th-century Jewish-born slave trader and frontier captain who facilitated the capture and sale of African slaves for the Spanish crown and later moved to Mexico to expand his ventures.

An Italian explorer sponsored by the Spanish monarchs, whose initial expeditions to the Americas included exporting Indigenous peoples as slaves before switching to coercing them for labor due to policy changes.

The king of Spain who, along with Queen Isabella, financed Columbus's expeditions and attempted to protect Indigenous peoples with mixed results.

An Indigenous individual who used the New Laws for legal recourse against his captivity, his case illustrating the harsh realities and limited legal remedies for enslaved people.

The queen of Spain who, alongside King Ferdinand, funded Columbus's voyages and endeavored to shield Indigenous peoples from enslavement despite unintended consequences.

A Spanish friar and outspoken advocate for Indigenous rights who chronicled their mistreatment and lobbied for the abolition of their enslavement.

A legal scholar appointed by the Spanish crown to enforce the New Laws, noted for his quiet but impactful efforts to defend enslaved Indigenous peoples.

A 17th-century queen of Spain who, alongside her husband, campaigned to liberate Indigenous slaves within the Spanish Empire.

A Spanish military leader and colonial governor who implemented the encomienda system, leading to further exploitation of Indigenous peoples despite intentions to protect them.

An English pirate whose capture and subsequent experiences in Mexico provide detailed historical insights into the Spanish slave trade, particularly the Pánuco region.

A Pueblo medicine man and leader who played a central role in the successful Pueblo Revolt of 1680 against Spanish colonizers, safeguarding Indigenous traditions during the Spanish absence.