José Da Silva Horta

About the Author

José Da Silva Horta is a distinguished historian and scholar whose work illuminates the intricate histories of marginalized communities in the Atlantic world. With a focus on the intersections of culture, migration, and identity, Horta draws from extensive archival research across continents to uncover forgotten narratives that reshape our understanding of global connections. His seminal book, The Forgotten Diaspora: Jewish Communities in West Africa and the Making of the Atlantic World, explores the overlooked roles of Sephardic Jews in West African trade networks and their profound influence on the transatlantic exchange of ideas, goods, and peoples during the early modern period. Horta's scholarship bridges African, European, and American histories, challenging Eurocentric perspectives and highlighting the agency of diasporic groups in forging the modern world. A professor emeritus at a leading university in Lisbon, he continues to lecture internationally and contribute to interdisciplinary dialogues on colonialism and cultural resilience.