Portuguese Malacca was a strategic trading post established by the Portuguese in 1511 on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. It served as a crucial hub for the spice trade, connecting Europe with Asia. The city became a melting pot of cultures, attracting merchants from various regions, including China, India, and the Middle East. The Portuguese fortified Malacca to protect their interests and control trade routes. However, their dominance was challenged by other powers, including the Dutch and the British. In 1641, the Dutch captured Malacca, marking the decline of Portuguese influence in the region.