<< BACK TO EXHIBITS

500 Years of Macau

Portraying a very comprehensive 500-year history of Macau from the establishment of the territory by the Portuguese to the present day, this exhibit gives its viewers an overview of Macau, today known as a Special Administrative Region of the People´s Republic of China.

In 1557, the Portuguese took over Macau, making it the first European colony in East Asia. Called "A Ma Gao" by the Chinese (in honor of the patron goddess of sailors, A-Ma), its name was adapted to "Macau" by the Portuguese. For more than a century, the port thrived as the main intermediary in the trade between Asia and the rest of the world: ships from Italy, Portugal, and Spain bought and sold Chinese silks and tea, Japanese crafts, Indian spices, African ivory, and Brazilian gold.

Macau also became an outpost for western religions. St. Francis Xavier successfully converted large numbers of Japanese and Chinese to Christianity and used Macau as a base of operations. In the 1500s and 1600s, many churches were built, and even a Christian college. Today in Macau, this religious legacy can be seen in the array of well-preserved colonial churches.

Macau's golden age ended in the 1800s when the Dutch and British seized control of most trading routes to East Asia. After the British victory over China in the 1814 Opium War, the huge deep-water port of Hong Kong was established, and Macau as a port town was diminished. However, Macau was important to Chinese refugees during both World Wars and the Cultural Revolution. With the introduction of legalized gambling in the 1960s, Macau became a place where gambling, espionage, and crime reigned in the shadow of Hong Kong.

Today textile, furniture, electronics, and other exports join a world-class tourism industry in making Macau prosperous. Just before the 1999 handover to the Chinese government, the Portuguese administration launched a number of public works. A huge international airport was built on a reclaimed island and bridges were built to connect Macau's two islands. More recently, two artificial lakes were constructed in the Outer Harbor along the Praia Grande and another in Cotai. These projects and others have transformed Macau into the Las Vegas of East Asia, though on an even grander scale.

Click on an article below.

Macau's Early History Macau was a port of refuge, fresh water, and food for merchant sailors until it was settled by refugees fleeing Mongol invaders in 1277.

Macau in the Age of Discovery The European age of African maritime exploration began in the 15th century, after the powerful Turkish Empire had blocked the overland route to the East.  This was the catalyst for Bartolomeu Dias' and subsequent Portuguese expeditions to find a sea route to India.

Portuguese in East Asia After decades of on again, off again relations with the Chinese, the Portuguese finally established a permanent, official trade base at Macau.

Macau's Golden Age Portuguese trade routes resulted in Macau becoming an epicenter of trade in the region. With the Iberian Union in 1580, King Philip II of Spain was encouraged to not harm the trade relationship with the East.

Defending Macau Facing threats from the English and Dutch, Macau needed to bolster its defenses against these rival countries.

Religious Activity in Macau Jesuits, Dominicans, Franciscans and Augustinians arrived in Macau to convert the populations of China and Japan.

Macau's Struggle for Survival Losing its most-lucrative trading route when Japan closed its ports to foreigners, Macau struggled for survival. It was granted a reprieve when King João IV assumed the throne and Portugal was again its privileged trading partner. Later, China opened up Macau for trade with all foreign countries.

The Hong Kong Effect in Macau As Britain made great strides in Hong Kong, Portugal reasserted and broadened its influence in Macau while many Macanese left for the new British colony.

Macau During World War II Macau provided refuge for those fleeing the advancing war.

Post-War Macau Maintaining equilibrium between East and West, Macau blossomed in the latter half of the 20th century.

Macau's Transfer of Sovereignty Portugal and the People's Republic of China planned and executed the handover of Macau over a twenty year period -- ending European colonialism in Asia.

Macau's Recent History Macau is much more than a gambling destination.

---

<< BACK TO EXHIBITS