The Yoruba people contributed significant cultural and economic influence upon the Atlantic slave trade during its run from approximately 1400 until 1900 CE.
[1][2][3] From 1400 onward, the Oyo Empire's imperial success made the Yoruba language a lingua franca almost to the shores of the Volta.
[6] Europeans bringing salt arrived in Oyo during the reign of King Obalokun.
[8] Thanks to its domination of the coast, Oyo merchants were able to trade with Europeans at Porto Novo and Whydah.
[9] Here the Oyo Empire's captives and criminals were sold to Dutch and Portuguese buyers.