Not Just the Tudors: Elizabeth I & the Sultan of Morocco

Podcast Information:

• Title: Not Just the Tudors
• Host/Author: History Hit (Professor Suzannah Lipscomb)
• Episode: Elizabeth I & the Sultan of Morocco
• Release Date: December 9, 2024

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb delves into the lesser-known diplomatic relationship between Queen Elizabeth I of England and Sultan Ahmed al Mansur of Morocco. Joined by Dr. Samia Arazuki of Stanford University, the discussion uncovers the intricate interplay of politics, trade, and empire-building during the late 16th century.

The Battle of the Three Kings [04:16]

Professor Lipscomb opens the conversation by setting the stage with the Battle of the Three Kings in 1578—an event pivotal to understanding the ensuing relationship between England and Morocco.

Professor Susanna Lipscomb: "Queen Elizabeth I and Sultan Ahmed Al Manzur reigned over kingdoms whose political, cultural, and religious landscapes appeared to be worlds apart." [00:25]

Dr. Arazuki explains that this battle involved three monarchs: the King of Portugal, Dom Sebastian I; the deposed Sultan Mohammad Mutawakkil of Morocco; and his uncles, Abdul Malik and Ahmed al Mansur. The decisive victory led to Ahmed al Mansur's ascent to the Moroccan throne, earning him the title "Al Mansur" meaning "the victorious one."

Diplomatic Correspondence Between Elizabeth I and Ahmed al Mansur [16:16]

The heart of the episode explores the diplomatic ties established through approximately 40 letters exchanged between Elizabeth I and Ahmed al Mansur from 1578 to 1603.

Dr. Samia Arazuki: "Their correspondences began in 1578 and ended in 1603... both died the same year, within three months apart." [16:16]

These letters reveal mutual interests in countering Philip II of Spain's influence and highlight episodes where advisors and spy networks played crucial roles in maintaining communication.

Trade Relations: The Sugar Economy [29:15]

A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on the trade dynamics between England and Morocco, particularly centered around sugar.

Dr. Samia Arazuki: "Morocco was sending the most prized and coveted commodity of the early modern period, sugar." [29:15]

Morocco exported various forms of sugar—white, granulated, coarse brown, and molasses—to England. In return, England provided shipbuilding lumber and military supplies. This one-sided trade heavily favored England, creating an unprecedented trade surplus for Morocco.

Empire-Building Ambitions and the Joint Invasion Plan [18:42]

The episode unpacks Sultan Ahmed al Mansur's ambitious plans for empire expansion, including a proposed joint invasion of Spain with Elizabeth I.

Dr. Samia Arazuki: "He can show up even more now because not only do I have more wealth, more gold, more power, but I also have a plan. And that plan is going to be that we jointly invade Spain." [20:14]

While the plan never materialized due to various constraints, including Ahmed al Mansur's preoccupation with invading the Songhai Empire, it underscores the strategic depth of their alliance.

Impact on English and Moroccan Empires [42:41]

The correspondence and trade relations between England and Morocco significantly influenced their respective imperial trajectories.

Dr. Samia Arazuki: "English empire in many ways can be linked to the decline of Morocco sugar economy and Moroccan imperial power." [42:41]

As England established its sugar plantations in the Caribbean, Morocco's dominance in the sugar market waned, leading to its eventual decline amidst internal conflicts and external pressures.

Slave Labor and Sugar Production [33:04]

The episode touches upon the labor dynamics behind Morocco's sugar production, suggesting a shift from religious-based slavery to more racially motivated practices aligned with the burgeoning Atlantic slave trade.

Dr. Samia Arazuki: "Morocco's sugar plantations were no different [from those in the Atlantic], owned by the Sultan and reliant on enslaved labor." [36:30]

This transition highlights the global interconnectedness of slavery and economic exploitation during this period.

Conclusion: Legacy of the Alliance [47:33]

Professor Lipscomb and Dr. Arazuki conclude by reflecting on the profound yet underappreciated legacy of the Elizabethan-Moroccan alliance.

Dr. Samia Arazuki: "This intertwined nature... the rise of English sugar production... can be linked to the decline of Morocco's sugar economy." [42:41]

The episode emphasizes how this historical relationship not only shaped the empires of England and Morocco but also influenced global trade patterns and colonial expansion.

Notable Quotes

• Professor Susanna Lipscomb [00:25]: "Not, in other words, just the Tudors, but most definitely also the Tudors."

• Dr. Samia Arazuki [04:16]: "The Battle of Three Kings... was preparing the grounds for Sultan Ahmed al Mansur's reign."

• Professor Susanna Lipscomb [30:10]: "Shipbuilding lumber was extremely important and valuable for anyone who was wanting to build a navy."

• Dr. Samia Arazuki [33:04]: "Morocco's sugar plantations were no different, owned by the Sultan and reliant on enslaved labor."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Not Just the Tudors shines a light on a fascinating chapter of history, revealing how the strategic alliance between Elizabeth I and Sultan Ahmed al Mansur had far-reaching implications for global trade, empire-building, and the socio-economic landscapes of both England and Morocco.

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