The Religious Factors of Early Modern Portugal’s Choice of Macau

Abstract

Portugal became an important political, economic and religious center in Europe in the early modern period. After the opening of the new sea route, Portugal also took an active part in the colonization of Asia in the context of the colonial expansion of Europe. As for the choice of strategic locations in the east, Portugal chose the strongholds in India, China and Indonesia as springboards for its aggression and trade. This article attempts to stand on the religious standpoint, taking Macao as an example, from three aspects: Portugal is one of the European religious centers, Portugal has a strong sense of religious export, Portugal chose the eastern strategic location of the lack of religious culture to explain the early modern Portugal chose the eastern strategic location of the religious factors.