SPICE: The 16th-Century Contest that Shaped the Modern World

When the Portuguese finally reached the Spice Islands of the Moluccas in 1511, they set in motion a fierce competition for control. From 1511 to 1571, European powers linked up the oceans, established vast maritime empires, and gave birth to global trade, all in an attempt to dominate the supply of spices. Well illustrated some in color.