"What happens in the Embocadero, stays in the Embocadero": An Archaeological interpretation of the early Spanish exploration of the Pacific and the establishment of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.

Summary

This paper lays out the the current archaeological findings of the Manila-Acapulco Trade route, and analyzes the navigation pattern as they travel from Manila, through the embocadero then travelling the northern trade winds over to North America. The route can take 4-6 months, and takes a heavy toll on the crew and their passengers. almost one third of this time is taken to traverse the Embocadero, a water route weaving through the middle of the Phillipine Islands. Knowing there were other faster ways to get to the northern tradewinds, we hypothesized that there is another reason for sailing this route: A trade in contraband. The paper lays out signs of illicit trade tactics on these galleons from Manila to Acapulco. 

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Manila Galleon Archaeology in the American Continent   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2017

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 549