How many Europeans were captured by the Barbary Pirates between the 16th and 19th centuries?

The figure of 1 million to 1.25 million Europeans captured by Barbary Pirates between the 16th and 19th centuries is based on extensive historical records that document the scale of piracy during this period. The Barbary Pirates, operating mainly along the North African coast, were notorious for raiding European coastal towns and capturing individuals to be sold into slavery.

Historical accounts indicate that these pirates could conduct raids over a wide geographic area, frequently targeting vessels and coastal settlements from various European nations. The total number of individuals captured reflects not only the successful raids but also the prolonged threat that piracy posed to trade and security in the Mediterranean.

The range specified embodies a significant historical context, illustrating the extensive impact of piracy on European society and economics during these centuries. This data also showcases the larger scale of human trafficking that occurred, affecting countless lives and leading to far-reaching consequences for the regions involved.