Moors Quote by Aylmer Von Fleischer
““The true Moors (Blacks) were later called blackamoors to distinguish them from the lightcomplexioned inhabitants of North Africa. The ancestors of the ‘true Moors’ were probably the formidable Garamantes who occupied parts of North Africa and the Sahara. Tacitus called these courageous Blacks invincible, and Romans found them to be formidable adversaries.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Historical Essay on North African Peoples, author unknown, date unknown
The passage distinguishes the original black African groups, the Garamantes, from later lighter‑skinned North Africans, noting Roman admiration for their strength.
In simple terms: It explains that early black North Africans were called blackamoors to set them apart from lighter peoples.
Recognize diverse histories within regions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic research
- museum curation
- educational curricula
- cultural heritage projects
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do historical labels affect present‑day identity?
- What can we learn from the Garamantes’ legacy?
The term “blackamoors” later acquired pejorative connotations, complicating modern usage.