Juan Latino (Juan de Sessa): From Enslaved African to Pioneering Professor in 16th-Century Spain

Juan Latino, who was also known as Juan de Sessa, was an intriguing figure in history. Born around 1518 in Ethiopia, he made his mark as a Spanish professor of Ethiopian descent at the University of Granada during the sixteenth century. Many consider him the first African to study at a European university and to attain a professorship in Grammar and Latin Language at the University.

Juan’s journey began when he was born to a black slave from Ethiopia. By 1520, he found himself enslaved by Elvira Fernández de Córdoba, the second Duchess of Sessa, and her husband, Luis Fernández de Córdoba y Zúñiga, who was the fourth Count of Cabra. He ended up in Granada, where he received an education alongside their son, Gonzalo II Fernández de Córdoba, and his other young companions, including Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, more famously known as the “Gran Capitán.”

There was some controversy about Juan’s origins, with León Roque de Santiago, a literary rival, claiming he was born in Baena, the son of a slave woman and Duke Luis. Nonetheless, it’s clear that Juan excelled in classical languages and music, and was fortunate to study under the renowned grammarian Pedro de Mota. His owner, the Duke, once described him as “rara avis in terra corbo simillima nigro,” which translates to “a rare bird, black like a crow.”

The University of Granada opened in 1526, just a few months after Emperor Dawit II arrived in the city. It began awarding degrees in 1533 and saw the first degrees awarded in 1538. By 1545, after much hard work, Latino received his Bachelor’s degree in front of notable figures including the Archbishop and the Conde de Tendilla at just 28 years old.

Latino often visited the residence of the Duke’s administrator, Licenciado Carleval, to share his grammatical expertise, particularly with Carleval’s daughter, Ana, who was renowned for her beauty. They became romantically involved, and by 1547 or 1548, they were married, welcoming four children into the world. Their story even inspired playwright Diego Jiménez de Enciso, who wrote a comedy about them.

On December 31, 1556, Latino was appointed to the Chair of Grammar and Latin Language at the cathedral in Granada, a position he held for two decades. He eventually retired in 1586 and passed away between 1594 and 1597, being laid to rest in the church of Santa Ana in Granada, although the archives from that time were tragically lost in a fire.

His life and legacy were immortalized in a 17th-century play titled La comedia famosa de Juan Latino, crafted by Diego Jiménez de Enciso.

Latino published three volumes of poetry between 1573 and 1585. One of his notable works, Austrias Carmen, was dedicated to John of Austria following his victory over the Morisco insurrection in Granada during the War of the Alpujarras (1568–1572). He’s also recognized as one of the early writers to use signifyin(g), adding a distinct flavor to his literary contributions.