Why did so many enslaved Africans die during the middle passages?

Many enslaved Africans died during the Middle Passage due to inhumane conditions aboard slave ships, where overcrowding, malnutrition, and lack of sanitation led to the spread of disease. The brutal treatment by crew members, including physical abuse and neglect, further exacerbated the situation. Additionally, the psychological trauma and despair of captivity contributed to high mortality rates, as many enslaved individuals chose to resist through suicide or starvation. Overall, these factors created a lethal environment during the transatlantic journey.