Abstract
Chapter 18 defines the Iberian Silk Roads as maritime networks that contributed decisively to early modern globalisation. From the early sixteenth century, the Portuguese established a string of colonies from the Indian Ocean to Malacca. In partnership with local Asian merchants, they reached the Moluccas, China, and Japan. Decades later, the Castilians discovered a return route across the Pacific, creating a stable connection between Manila and Acapulco. Iberian cartography furthered an accurate knowledge of world geography, while Iberian navigation sparked the global silver trade and three centuries of Sino-Iberian relations. Iberian Asia was shaped not only by political and commercial agendas, but also by the efforts of Catholic missionaries to spread the Gospel and save souls.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Reimagining the Silk Roads |
Subtitle of host publication | interactions and perceptions across Eurasia |
Editors | Julian Henderson, Stephen L. Morgan, Matteo Salonia |
Place of Publication | London |
Publisher | Routledge |
Chapter | 18 |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781003348702 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |