The Monument of the Four Moors and the Muslim Slaves of Livorno: From a Symbol of Freedom and Tolerance to a ‘Disgusting’ Monument

The Monument of the Four Moors, a landmark in the port city of Livorno, was commissioned by Grand Duke Ferdinando I of Tuscany to commemorate the victories of the Order of Saint Stephen over Mediterranean corsairs. This study attempts to analyze the shift in the perception of this monument from its creation in the 17th century to the present day within the broader context of changing attitudes towards the Mediterranean Sea slave trade, reviewing travel accounts of those who visited Livorno between the 17th and 19th centuries as well as historical research conducted since the 20th century. This shift in perception not only reflects the socioeconomic significance of the Mediterranean slave trade in European modern history and the cultural importance of interactions between the Islamic and Christian worlds but also aligns with the transition to modern civil society and the current emphasis on universal human rights.