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Filipe de Brito e Nicote — Portuguese Mercenary in 16th‑Century Southeast Asia

Filipe de Brito e Nicote (c. 1566 – April 1613), also known as Nga Zinga (Burmese) or Nga AngGaa (Arakanese), was a Portuguese adventurer and mercenary of partial French descent who played a notable role in the politics and conflicts of 16th‑century Southeast Asia Wikipedia+1.

Early Life and Origins

Born in Lisbon to a French father, Jules Nicot (possibly the brother of Jean Nicot, the French diplomat credited with introducing tobacco to Europe), de Brito entered Southeast Asia as a cabin boy on a Portuguese ship grokipedia.com. His Portuguese designation “de Brito” likely reflected maternal ties or early integration into Portuguese society grokipedia.com. Career in Southeast Asia

De Brito first served under Min Razagyi, King of Arakan (Mrauk‑U), becoming Governor of Syriam (modern Thanlyin) in 1599 with three frigates and 3,000 men Wikipedia+1. He encouraged Portuguese settlement, built forts, and fortified the port, eventually declaring independence from Arakan in 1603. In 1605, during the Syriam battles, he captured Arakan’s crown prince, Min Khamaung, as a hostage Wikipedia+1.

He then married the daughter of Bannya Dala of Martaban, aligning himself with the Kingdom of Ayutthaya (Siam) Wikipedia+1. In 1602, returning to Goa, he was awarded the titles “Commander of Syriam”, “General of the conquests of Pegu”, and “King of Pegu” by the Portuguese crown Wikipedia+1.

Controversies and Actions

De Brito’s regime was marked by religious desecration, including stripping gold from Buddhist pagodas such as the Shwedagon to fund defenses. He is recorded as removing the Dhammazedi Bell from the Shwedagon and melting it down for cannon production Everything Explained Today. These acts alienated local populations and drew Burmese opposition grokipedia.com+1. Downfall and Death

In 1613, forces of King Anaukpetlun of the Toungoo dynasty besieged and razed Syriam. De Brito was captured and executed by impalement, reportedly taking three days to die Alchetron. His son was also executed, and over 400 Portuguese were taken prisoner Alchetron. Legacy

De Brito’s story is part of the history of the Bayingyi — a community of Portuguese descendants in Myanmar who served in the Burmese armed forces and preserved a Portuguese identity and Catholic faith www.portuguese.asia. His career reflects the role of European mercenaries in the volatile politics of 16th‑century Southeast Asia, where alliances shifted rapidly between regional powers.