Spanish Manila

Timeline

1. c. 1500–1570Maynila at the mouth of the Pasig River · LuzonBefore the Spanish arrival, the Pasig River delta already held a Muslim trading settlement centered on Maynila, with traffic to Brunei, Sulu, and Chinese merchant ships, making it an important regional trade node on Luzon.
2. 1571Mouth of the Pasig River, Manila Bay · LuzonMiguel López de Legazpi led an expedition that on May 19, 1571 captured and formally established Spanish Manila, replacing the original sultanate stronghold and establishing the colonial administrative center of Spanish Philippines.
3. 1571–1580Intramuros walled city · ManilaIn the 1570s Manila was planned around the walled city of Intramuros with civic and ecclesiastical institutions, including the governor's palace, cathedral, and barracks, bringing Luzon and neighboring islands under the jurisdiction of the Viceroyalty of New Spain.
4. 1575–1815Port of Manila · Manila BayIn the late 16th century Manila became a transshipment port for Chinese goods linking Acapulco in Mexico with East Asia; the silver–silk–porcelain trade rapidly grew the city into a key commercial node of the Spanish Empire in the Asia-Pacific.