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Aceh-Portuguese War (1600s)

Type Event Region Southeast Asia Time 1601–1610

In the early 17th century the Sultanate of Aceh launched repeated large-scale naval expeditions against Portuguese-held Malacca;…

Timeline

  1. 1602–1603Aceh · AcehSultan Ala'uddin Riayat Syah organized a large fleet sailing south to attack Portuguese merchant ships and coastal posts, attempting to cut the trade and supply lines of Portuguese Malacca and weaken its control of the strait.
  2. 1606Malacca · MalaccaAceh, Johor, and the Dutch East India Company formed a coalition to besiege Portuguese Malacca; the attempt failed against stubborn Portuguese resistance and reinforcements, but further exposed Portugal's vulnerability in defending the strait.
  3. 1607–1610Northern Sumatran waters · SumatraAfter acceding in 1607, Iskandar Muda continued using naval expansion to press Portuguese and Johor power, consolidating Aceh's control over northern Sumatra and trade at the northern end of the strait, laying groundwork for larger conquests to come.

Sources