What direction is Moluccas?

This region is known for its periodic experiences of earthquakes, which stems from the sea itself being a micro plate, in which the Molucca Sea is being subducted in two opposite directions: one in the direction of the Eurasian Plate to the west and the other in the direction of the Philippines Sea Plate to the east.

Who colonized Moluccas?

The fabled Spice Islands were originally explored by Ferdinand Magellan in the early 16th century, and later settled by the Portuguese. The Dutch took the islands in the 17th century and monopolized the spice trade. After Indonesian independence, the s Moluccas were the focus of secessionist forces.

Where did the Moluccas get their spices from?

From ancient times, cloves, nutmeg, and mace had been much sought-after spices for which extremely high prices were paid in the markets of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. In the course of time, foreign traders found their way to the Moluccas, also called the Spice Islands.

When did the Portuguese come to the Moluccas?

History. The cloves of the northern Moluccas and the nutmeg of the central islands were traded in Asia long before Europeans heard of the so-called Spice Islands. The Portuguese established themselves on the islands in 1512, beginning many decades of conflict that caused great losses of life.

When did the Moluccas become part of Indonesia?

After World War II, in 1945, Indonesia declared its independence, and the Moluccas joined the new republic. The Dutch, however, recognized neither Indonesia’s sovereignty nor its inclusion of the eastern islands.

How did the people of the Moluccas make money?

Instead, they started families in the Moluccas with local Moluccan women or with imported slave women. They supported themselves, in part, through private trade, buying spices from the local population and selling them to the agents of the Portuguese Crown or to Asian traders if they offered to pay more.