Yoruba people in the Atlantic slave trade
The Yoruba people contributed a cultural and economic influence upon the Atlantic slave trade during its run from approximately 1400 until 1900 CE.
Oyo Empire
From 1400 CE onward, the Oyo Empire's imperial success made the Yoruba language a lingua franca almost to the shores of the Volta.[1] Toward the end of the 18th century, the Oyo army was neglected as there was less need to conquer.[2]
Cultural influence
In addition to the influence upon slave, and later free Afro-American cuisine and language, the importation of Yoruba culture was most heavily evidenced in such manifestations of Yoruba religion as Santería, Candomblé Ketu, and other traditional spiritualities.