First published in 1888, this classic volume remains one of the most comprehensive accounts of the Portuguese colonization of southern Africa during the early modern period. Drawing on a wide range of primary sources and his own extensive research, author George McCall Theal provides a detailed analysis of the political, economic, and social factors that shaped the Portuguese presence in the region. He also explores the interactions between Portuguese settlers and indigenous peoples, offering a nuanced and complex picture of the complex dynamics of colonialism. This is an essential book for anyone interested in the history of southern Africa or the broader history of European colonialism. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.