What is Sucesos De Las Islas Filipinas

• Sucesos De Las Islas Filipinas is an account of the history of the Spanish colony in the Philippines during
the 16th century.

• Translated in English as “Events of Philippine Islands” which means this book is all about the
happenings on the Philippines during the Spanish colonization. Sucesos De Las Islas Filipinas is an
account of the history, culture, and society of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.

• Sucesos De Las Islas Filipinas was published on 1609 in Mexico

The book was published in two volumes, both in 1609 by Casa de Geronymo Balli, in Mexico City

1609 (April 17) – Viceroy Luis de Velasco authorized the publication and granted Morga the sole right to
publish it for ten years

1609 – Fray Garcia Guerra, archbishop of Mexico, approved the publication of the work

• Morga’s Sucesos is a classic in Philippine historiography. First published in Mexico in 1609, there have
been at least six other editions, four of which are in English, besides a Japanese translation in 1966
(Moruga Filipin Shotoshi) and possibly a French in the 1890s. The volume under review is the best
English translation so far and will per-haps remain the standard text for years, especially for those who
cannot read the original Spanish.

• His book, published in 1609, ranges more widely than its title suggests since the Spanish were also
active in China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, the Moluccas, Marianas and other Pacific islands. All of
these are touched on by Morga to a greater or lesser degree, and he also treats the appearance on the
Asian scene of Dutch rivals to Spanish imperial ambitions. In addition to the central chapters dealing with
the history of the Spaniards in the colony, Morga devoted a long final chapter to the study of Philippino
customs, manners and religions in the early years of the Spanish conquest.

• Morga’s work, which is based partly on documentary research, keen observation, and partly on his
personal involvement and knowledge, is said to be the best account of Spanish colonialism in the
country
•This work, perhaps was the best account of Spanish colonialismin the Philippines and it was merely
based partly on documentary research, partly on keen observation, and artly on Morga’s personal
involvement and knowledge
• The first volume is consisting seven chapters, this deals with the discoveries, conquests, and other
events … until the death of Don Pedro de Acuna.
The first 7 chapters underscore the accomplishments of the different governor-generals assigned in the
Philippines
The last chapter (Chapter 8) contains a brief summary and account of the nature of these regions, their
inhabitants, the manner of governing and converting them, and other detail.
• As mentioned by Blair and Robertson (1907), Morga’s book is written in the true historic spirit, which
has a specialvalue. Its various threads of the history of the islands are followed systematically. This
includes political, social, andeconomic phases of life. Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas vividly
portrayed:
The natives and their conquerors;
The futility of the Spanish policy in making external expeditions;
The consequent neglect of internal affairs;
The great Chinese question;
The growth of trade;
Communication with Japan;
Missionary movements from the islands to surrounding countries;
The jealous and envious opposition of the Portuguese; and
The dangers of sea−voyages

References:

https://ajol.ateneo.edu/pshev/articles/297/3369/read
https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/13527441
https://www.academia.edu/44587085/Sucesos_de_las_Islas_Filipinas
Blair, Emma Helen & Robertson, James Alexander (1907). Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas, in ThePhilippine
Islands, 1493-1803, vols. 15-16. Cleveland Ohio, Arthur .H. Clark Company