Macau Macao Asia History

Macau can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC), when the region now called Macau came under the jurisdiction of Panyu County. The first known inhabitants of Macau (Macao) were people from Asia seeking refuge in Macau from invading Mongolians, during the Southern Song Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD), fishermen came to Macau from various parts of Guangdong and Fujian provinces. Macau did not however become a major settlement until the Portuguese came in the 16th century. In the year 1535, the Portuguese received the right to anchor their ships in Macau 's harbours. The Portuguese also received the right to carry out trading activities with Macau. However, they were not allowed to stay onshore. Between 1552 and 1553, the Portuguese received temporary permission to build small storage sheds on land. They later built some stone-houses around the area of Nam Van. However it wasn't until 1557 that the Portuguese establish a permanent settlement in Macau.