Jogos de poder e emergência de novas unidades políticas regionais versus presença portuguesa em terras de Sofala, no século XVI

Abstract

Using the Portuguese documentary sources of the XVI century we intend to systematize the information about the political changes on Sofala region during the XVI century, to evaluate its importance to the recognition of the rise of new political unities not depending from the Mutapa Kingdom and to show how the Portuguese contribute to these changes. In what concerns the changes on the political map of the region we most underline the rise and expansion of the Teve Kingdom. At the end of XVI century, the Quiteve ruled over a large area from the River Tendaculo, in the North, to the Rives Save, in the South, and the Portuguese settlement of Sofala was a very small area within this kingdom. Nevertheless, Portuguese authorities showed no intention to recognize its independence towards the Mutapa Kingdom or the fact he was the real local landlord of Sofala region. On the other hand, for the Portuguese we emphasise both their official and individual action and how they become influent and important in the area.