Analyzing Primary Sources in Early Philippine History

Vocabulary flashcards covering primary sources in early Philippine history, including the Laguna Copperplate Inscription, Chinese trade records, and Antonio Pigafetta's chronicle.

Primary Sources

Original, firsthand materials created at the time of a historical event—such as documents, artifacts, inscriptions, and chronicles—that offer direct evidence of the past.

Laguna Copperplate Inscription (LCI)

The oldest known written document found in the Philippines, dated April 21, 900 CE, which serves as a semi-official certificate of acquittal of a debt.

Hector Santos

The scholar who pinpointed the exact date of the Laguna Copperplate Inscription as Monday, April 21, 900 CE using ancient Indian and Indonesian calendars.

Old Kawi

A Javanese-derived script used in the 10-line inscription of the Laguna Copperplate Inscription.

Chu Fan Chi (Zhu Fan Zhi)

A 1225 Chinese chronicle by Chau Ju-kua, translated as "Records of Various Barbarous Nations," documenting early trade relations between South China and early Filipinos.

Chau Ju-kua

A Chinese nobleman, customs inspector in South China, and compiler of trader accounts who authored the Chu Fan Chi in 1225.

Ma-i

An early Philippine polity identified as present-day Mindoro, referenced in 13th-century Chinese records as a primary trading hub.

Kia-ma-yen

A location identified as the Calamian Islands (Palawan group) in early Chinese sources, noted as a vassal state of Ma-i.

Pa-lau-yu

A location identified as Palawan in early Chinese sources, recorded as a vassal state of Ma-i engaged in maritime trade.

Pa-ki-nung

A location identified as Busuanga Island in 13th-century Chinese trade records, forming part of the wider Ma-i polity network.

Antonio Pigafetta

An Italian scholar, navigator, and personal assistant to Ferdinand Magellan who authored the chronicle "Relazione del primo viaggio intorno al mondo".

Relazione del primo viaggio intorno al mondo

Antonio Pigafetta's travelogue chronicling Magellan's circumnavigation, serving as a primary source for 16th-century pre-colonial Philippine history.

Ladrone Islands

The Marianas islands, meaning "Island of Thieves," where Magellan's fleet avoided landing due to theft during their 1521 voyage.

Humunu (Homonhon)

The island referred to as the "Watering Place of Good Signs," where Magellan's crew received a friendly welcome and recovered.

Mazzava (Limasawa)

The site of the first blood compact and the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines on March 31, 1521.

Sandugo

An ancient Filipino blood compact ritual used to seal alliances by mixing drops of blood from both parties into a cup of wine and sharing it as an oath of brotherhood.

Rajah Humabon

The ruling chief of Cebu who entered into a blood compact with Magellan and became the first recorded Filipino ruler to convert to Christianity, receiving the name Don Carlos.

Silapulapu (Lapu-Lapu)

The chief of Mactan who refused to obey the Spanish king and led native forces to defeat Magellan in 1521.

Battle of Mactan

An April 27, 1521 conflict where an estimated 1,500 native warriors led by Lapu-Lapu defeated Magellan's 49 soldiers, resulting in Magellan's death.

Duarte Barbosa

The officer elected as captain of the Spanish expedition following Ferdinand Magellan's death at the Battle of Mactan.

Henry

Magellan's slave-interpreter who, along with Rajah Humabon, betrayed and killed members of the Spanish crew after Magellan's death.