How did the Portuguese administer the coast?

Answer 1

The Portuguese administered the coast primarily through a system of fortified trading posts and settlements known as feitorias, which facilitated trade and ensured military presence. They established a network of alliances with local rulers and often employed a strategy of diplomacy and coercion to maintain control over trade routes. Additionally, the Portuguese utilized naval power to protect their interests and enforce their dominance in the region, which allowed them to control key maritime chokepoints and trade in spices, gold, and other valuable commodities. This approach laid the foundation for their extensive maritime empire during the Age of Exploration.