Search

The article discusses the history of the Portuguese colonial possession of Macao, given to Portugal in 1557 by China during the Ming dynasty. Topics considered include Portugal's early modern commerce with India, explorer Vasco de Gama, and Portugal's silk trade between China and Japan. The efforts of Jesuit missionaries such as Saint Francis Xavier and father Matteo Ricci in Japan, China, and Macao are detailed. The impact of the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company on Portugal's Asian trade routes is considered.

Deals with the return of Macao, the Portuguese-administered enclave on the coast of China to Beijing, China's rule at midnight on December 19, 1999. Population and area of Macao; Year the Portuguese achieved control of Macao with the Chinese approval; List of the Portuguese trading routes in the east from 1560 to 1640; Role of silk and silver trade in the wealth and fame of Macao; Status of Macao's gambling-related tourism.

Reports on the restoration of the Dom Pedro V Theater in Macao. Preservation of a European atmosphere; Plans for the theater; Trading post establishment by Portugal in Macao.