The history of Natal is strongly related to the history of Rio Grande do Norte State. In the 16^th Century, these lands were completely neglected by Portugal, more concerned about its colonies in Africa and Asia. Taking advantage of this situation, the French came to Captainship of Rio Grande, became the local Indians their allies, and started commercializing local products in Europe.

This way, the king of Portugal and Spain, Philip The Second, ordered the General Governor of Brazil, D. Francisco de Souza, and the governors of Pernambuco and Paraíba Captainships, to organize an expedition and take over the lands of Rio Grande. He also wanted them to establish a city and a fortress for its defense.

A conquest expedition was organized, leaded by Mascarenhas Homem, governor of Pernambuco, and Feliciano Coelho, governor of Paraíba. The Portuguese settlers succeeded, and started building a fortress, called Fortress of The Three Wise Kings, because its construction began on January 6^th of 1598. On June 24^th of the same year, Mascarenhas Homem gave Jerônimo de Albuquerque the keys of the Fortress and said to him to be in charge of the new settlement from that time on. Jerônimo de Albuquerque, a half Indian man, was the responsible for dealing the peace agreement with the Indian Chiefs Pau Seco and Sorobaré, on June 15^th of 1599.

In order to go through with the king’s recommendations, Jerônimo the Albuquerque still had to establish a city. Historical evidences point out to December 25^th of 1599 the date of Natal foundation, whose initial mark was settled at where nowadays is located André de Albuquerque Square. The capital of Rio Grande do Norte State received this name due to the date the Christian world celebrates Jesus Christ’s birthday.

The union of Iberia crowns of Portugal and Spain, from 1580 to 1610, implied some other consequences to Brazil. Holland, traditional enemy of Spain, decided to invade Brazil Northeastern region, a worldwide sugar producer, to make sure Brazilian sugar supply would be maintained. In December 12^th of 1633, after the conquest of Bahia, center of Brazilian Government, and Pernambuco, Dutch invaded and conquered Fortress of The Three Wise Kings and gave it the name of Keulen Castle. Natal received the name of New Amsterdam. It began in Captainship of Rio Grande a period plentiful of conflicts, violence and death, causing a complete delay to the settlement process. Dutch domination lasted for about 20 years, when they were finally expulsed on January 25^th of 1654.

Since then, the city has grown. Natal is also known as ‘victory springboard’, because it sheltered an American aircraft field during the Second Great War.

Foto: SETUR-RN