Italy acquired its first colonial territories in 1882, when it occupied the port of Assab in present-day Eritrea.

Eritrea was the first African country to be colonized by Italy, in 1882.

Italy had three colonies in North Africa: Italian Somaliland, Italian Eritrea, and Italian Libya.

At its peak, the Italian Empire enslaved an estimated 2 million people.

Slave labor was used in all sectors of the Italian Empire's economy, including agriculture, mining, and construction.

Slaves in the Italian Empire were forced to work long hours in harsh conditions, were often beaten and abused, and were poorly fed and housed.

The Italian government turned a blind eye to the slave trade, and even profited from it by taxing slave traders.

Italy finally abolished slavery in 1947, after the fall of the Fascist regime.

Slavery in the Italian Empire led to economic development, social and political instability, and damaged Italy's reputation in the world.

The history of slavery in the Italian Empire is largely forgotten, but it is also a source of shame for Italy and a reminder of the importance of human rights.