Undoubtedly, China is one of the most amazing and unique countries on the planet. For example, the history of Macau, which is an autonomous republic (part of the PRC), for a long time ran parallel to the Chinese one. This region was a colony of Portugal, to this day the official languages are Chinese and Portuguese. But since 1999, Macau has been united with China, while being in the position of a special administrative region.
Very ancient history
Archaeologists have discovered artifacts in the region that date back to the 4th century BC. During the reign of the famous Chinese Qin dynasty, Macau lands belonged to the Guangdong province and were used by ancient sailors as a temporary anchorage for ships.
The first permanent settlement appeared in these places after 1277, as representatives of the Song dynasty rushed here, their supporters who fled from the Mongols. One of the most ancient temples in the region, Wansia, dates back to this time.
During the XIV-XVII centuries the population of Macau grew significantly, most of them were fishermen who moved from other regions of China. The construction of a temple named A-ma dates back to this time, and it is believed that the toponym Macau originated from the name of this religious building.
Macau during the Middle Ages
This period in the history of Macau can be briefly characterized as transitional, and in the literal sense. At this time, the development of the territories of China by European colonialists began and, of course, the confrontation between the owners and uninvited guests.
Newcomer Europeans were active in trade with various regions of China, thanks to which Macau began to flourish. Trade was now conducted with neighbors, including India and states located in Southeast Asia. Since 1557, Portugal acts as a "tenant" of territories, builds a permanent settlement. And in 1680 the first governor appeared, and the Portuguese one.
So, imperceptibly, the history of Macau is becoming increasingly intertwined with the history of Portugal. For centuries, up to the 19th century, Macau remained an important trading center, although new competing settlements appeared nearby.
