Portuguese Macau

Quick Facts: Who was Portuguese Macau?

Subject:

Portuguese Macau

Known for:

Historic Portuguese trading post in East Asia, existing from 1557 until its handover to China in 1999.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Macau was under Portuguese rule from the establishment of the first official Portuguese settlement in 1557 until its handover to China in 1999. It comprised the Municipality of Macau and the Municipality of Ilhas. Macau was both the first and last European holding in China. Macau's history under Portugal can be broadly divided into three distinct political periods. The first was the establishment of the Portuguese settlement in 1557 to 1849.

Career & Major Achievements

The Portuguese had jurisdiction over the Portuguese community and certain aspects of the territory's administration but no real sovereignty. Next came the colonial period, which scholars generally place from 1849 to 1974. As Macau's importance among other territories grew within the Portuguese Empire, Portuguese sovereignty over Macau strengthened and it became a constitutional part of Portuguese territory. Chinese sovereignty during this era was mainly nominal. Finally, in the aftermath of the 12-3 incident in 1966, the third was the transition period or post-colonial period, after the Carnation Revolution in 1974 until the handover in 1999.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Wu Zhiliang, President of the Macau Foundation, more specifically identified six periods: The early relationship between the Chinese and Portuguese (1514–1583) The Senado (Senate) period (1583–1783) The decline of the Senado (1783–1849) The colonial period (1849–1976) The district autonomy period (1976–1988) The transition period (1988–1999) Macau was officially known as the Province of Macau (Portuguese: Província de Macau, Chinese: 澳門省) until 1976, and subsequently Territory of Macau (Território de Macau, 澳門地區). In 1277, about 50,000 supporters and some members of the Song dynasty, fleeing the Mongol invaders, arrived in Macau and built several settlements, the largest and most important being in the Mong-Há region in the north of Macau. It is believed that the oldest temple in Macau, the Temple of Kun Iam (Goddess of Mercy), was located in Mong-Há. During the Ming dynasty, many fishermen from Guangzhou and Fujian settled in Macau and built the Temple of A-Ma. The first Portuguese to visit China was Jorge Álvares in 1513, during the Age of Discovery.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1277: 1277 Milestone — In 1277, about 50,000 supporters and some members of the Song dynasty, fleeing the Mongol invaders, arrived in Macau and built several settlements, the largest and most important being in the Mong-Há region in the north of Macau.
2. 1513: 1513 Milestone — The first Portuguese to visit China was Jorge Álvares in 1513, during the Age of Discovery.
3. 1514: 1514 Milestone — Wu Zhiliang, President of the Macau Foundation, more specifically identified six periods: The early relationship between the Chinese and Portuguese (1514–1583) The Senado (Senate) period (1583–1783) The decline of the Senado (1783–1849) The colonial period (1849–1976) The district autonomy period (1976–1988) The transition period (1988–1999) Macau was officially known as the Province of Macau (Portuguese: Província de Macau, Chinese: 澳門省) until 1976, and subsequently Territory of Macau (Território de Macau, 澳門地區).
4. 1557: 1557 Milestone — Macau was under Portuguese rule from the establishment of the first official Portuguese settlement in 1557 until its handover to China in 1999.
5. 1849: 1849 Milestone — Next came the colonial period, which scholars generally place from 1849 to 1974.
6. 1966: 1966 Milestone — Finally, in the aftermath of the 12-3 incident in 1966, the third was the transition period or post-colonial period, after the Carnation Revolution in 1974 until the handover in 1999.

Notable Quotes by Portuguese Macau

“The foreigners, subjects to the laws of the Empire, may continue to inhabit Macao.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Portuguese Macau

True or False: “Macau was continuously under Portuguese rule without any significant periods of Chinese influence or control.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Chinese sovereignty, while sometimes nominal, was a constant factor, and local Chinese populations significantly influenced the settlement's development.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Portuguese Macau