Was it divine intervention or the bravery of slaves that saved Macau? The Victory Monument stands as a silent witness. This monument commemorates a pivotal moment in Macau’s history: the Dutch invasion of 1622. The Victory Monument isn’t just a stone structure. It’s a symbol of resilience, a testament to a victory hard-won against a powerful foe. The Dutch, envious of Macau’s strategic position in the lucrative China-Japan trade, launched a full-scale invasion. Their fleet, commanded by Cornelis Reijersen, was formidable. They aimed to seize Macau, crippling the Portuguese and gaining a foothold in China.
Macau, however, was ill-prepared. Most of its able-bodied men and cannons had been requisitioned by the Ming emperor. Defending the city were a small band of Portuguese soldiers, residents, and hundreds of African slaves. The Dutch attack began on June 24th, the feast day of St. John the Baptist. A fierce naval bombardment targeted the Sáo Francisco battery, while a landing force of 800 stormed Cacilhas Beach. The outnumbered defenders put up a valiant fight. The Dutch admiral, Reijersen, was wounded. The invading forces advanced towards the city center but were met with heavy fire from Fortaleza do Monte.
Then, a mysterious explosion ripped through the Dutch ranks, decimating their ammunition supply. Portuguese accounts credit a Jesuit priest, Giacomo Rho, with a well-aimed cannon shot. Dutch accounts blame a clumsy Japanese mercenary. Whatever the cause, the explosion threw the Dutch into disarray. Seizing the opportunity, the defenders, led by Lopo Sarmento de Carvalho, launched a ferocious counterattack. The African slaves, fighting with desperate courage, played a crucial role in repelling the invaders. The Dutch retreat quickly turned into a rout. Hundreds perished on the battlefield and in the sea as they scrambled back to their ships.
The Victory Monument was erected much later, in 1871, but it stands as a proud reminder of this pivotal battle. It serves not only as a commemoration of the Portuguese victory but also as an unspoken tribute to the unsung heroes, the African slaves whose bravery was instrumental in saving Macau. The Victory Monument, therefore, tells a story of resilience and unexpected heroism. It whispers of a time when Macau, against all odds, stood firm and triumphed.