Francisco Serrão facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco Serrão
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| Born | 14?? |
| Died | 1521 |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Occupation | Explorer, soldier |
| Known for | First known European to sail east past Malacca through modern Indonesia and the East Indies and the first european to reach the western tip of the Pacific Ocean. |
Francisco Serrão (died 1521) was a Portuguese explorer. He was also a cousin of the famous explorer Ferdinand Magellan. In 1512, Serrão made a very important journey. He was the first known European to sail east past Malacca into what is now Indonesia and the East Indies. He became a trusted friend and advisor to Sultan Bayan Sirrullah, who ruled the island of Ternate. Serrão stayed in Ternate until he died, around the same time Magellan was killed.
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Exploring the Spice Islands
Francisco Serrão was a captain on an important trip in 1511. He was second-in-command under António de Abreu. They sailed from Malacca to find the famous Spice Islands, especially Banda in Maluku.
Why Spices Were So Important
Banda was the only place in the world where nutmeg and mace grew. These spices were extremely valuable in Europe. People used them for flavoring food, as medicines, and to preserve things. The Portuguese wanted to control where these spices came from. This way, they wouldn't have to buy them from Arab traders at very high prices.
The Journey East
Local Malay sailors helped guide the expedition. They sailed east past Java and along the Lesser Sundas. Then, they turned north towards Banda, passing Ambon.
When Serrão's ship stopped at Gresik on Java, he married a Javanese woman. She then joined him for the rest of the journey. In 1512, Serrão's ship was wrecked. But he and his crew managed to reach Luco-Pino island, which is north of Ambon.
The expedition stayed in Banda for about a month. They bought a lot of nutmeg and mace. They also bought cloves, which were traded a lot in Banda. Serrão bought a Chinese junk (a type of boat) to replace his lost ship. He then sailed ahead towards the Maluku islands.
Shipwreck and New Friends
Serrão's new ship, with nine Portuguese and nine Indonesian crew members, got caught in a storm. It broke apart on a reef near a small island. The people living on this island were known for taking things from shipwrecks.
When these islanders came to look at the wreck, Serrão's crew pretended to be helpless. They acted like rich people who had lost everything. As the islanders came closer, the Portuguese attacked. They took control of the islanders' boat and crew. The islanders were then forced to take them to Ambon, where they landed in Hitu.
Becoming an Advisor
The powerful chiefs of Hitu were very impressed by Serrão's armor, muskets, and shooting skills. They were fighting against Luhu, a main town on Seram's Hoamal Peninsula. The Portuguese were also welcomed because they bought food and spices. The spice trade had slowed down because of fighting in Malacca in 1511.
The chiefs asked the Portuguese to help them in their wars. News of these visitors reached the rival islands of Ternate and Tidore. Both sultans quickly sent people to ask the Portuguese for help.
Serrão chose to support the Sultanate of Ternate, which was a very strong power. He became the leader of a group of Portuguese fighters. They worked for Sultan Bayan Sirrullah, who was one of two powerful sultans fighting over the spice trade. Serrão and the Sultan became close friends. The Sultan made Serrão his personal advisor for everything, including military plans and family matters. Because he was so well-received, Francisco Serrão decided to stay in Ternate. He did not try to go back to Malacca.
Francisco Serrão's Final Years
Francisco Serrão wrote letters to his cousin, Ferdinand Magellan. In these letters, he described the amazing "Spice Islands." These letters helped Magellan convince the King of Spain to pay for his journey around the world.
Serrão died mysteriously in Ternate in 1521. This happened almost at the same time Magellan was killed in the Philippines (on Mactan Island, Cebu). Some people believe Serrão was poisoned by the Sultan of Ternate.
