African Arab slave trade. 19th-century illustration of slaves from Africa, including men, women and children, taken from a dhow (Arab ship) captured by HMS Undine. Two British sailors are in the background at left of top centre. Although the slave trade was abolished in many countries during the 19th century, slave trading continued in other countries. These slaves are part of the trade centred on East Africa and Arab ships. At its peak, tens of thousands of slaves were traded annually, though thousands died before ever reaching the slave markets. This wood engraving was published in 'The Graphic' (London) on 7 June 1884.