Duarte Fernandes Facts for Kids

Duarte Fernandes was a Portuguese diplomat and explorer from the 1500s. He was the first European to start official friendly relations with Thailand. This happened in 1511 when he led a special trip to the Ayutthaya Kingdom (which was then called the Kingdom of Siam). This trip took place after Portugal had taken control of Malacca.

History

Duarte Fernandes was originally a tailor. He was born in the late 1400s. He was a "New Christian," which was a term for people who had family from Moorish or Jewish backgrounds.

In the early 1500s, Fernandes traveled to Malacca with an expedition led by Diogo Lopes de Sequeira. This was in September 1509. Some sailors on the trip wanted to go home, and they tried to force de Sequeira to turn back. Fernandes was one of nineteen Portuguese people arrested in Malacca after a plan to disrupt the expedition failed. However, he was known for being friendly, which saved him from the same fate as the others.

Along with another person named Rui de Araújo, Fernandes learned a lot about the local culture. He also learned to speak some Malay. During this time, he became a trusted helper for Afonso de Albuquerque, a very important Portuguese leader.

In 1511, the Portuguese took control of Malacca. This big event changed the balance of power in Southeast Asia. The Kingdom of Siam had claimed lands in Malacca. So, Albuquerque sent Fernandes on a diplomatic mission to the King of Siam, Ramathibodi II. Fernandes' job was to explain why Portugal had taken Malacca. He also needed to show how powerful Portugal was and to start trade between Portugal and Ayutthaya.

Fernandes traveled with two Chinese captains and became the first European to arrive in Siam. He was very successful in creating friendly relations between Portugal and the Kingdom of Siam. He returned with a Siamese representative who brought gifts and letters for Albuquerque and the King of Portugal. Five years after this first meeting, Ayutthaya and Portugal signed a treaty. This agreement allowed the Portuguese to trade in the kingdom.

Duarte Fernandes was also one of the first Europeans to be interested in Chinese shipbuilding. On his way back to Malacca, he traveled on a Chinese junk ship. As a former tailor, he was very interested in the unique sails of the junk.

Duarte Fernandes facts for kids

History

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