A Dissenting Voice: The Clash of Trade and Warfare in Giovanni da Empoli's Account of His Second Voyage to Portuguese Asia

Abstract Giovanni da Empoli's second voyage to Asia (1510–1514) was eventful and violent, characterised by the emergence of conflicting agendas among different groups Portuguese. The Florentine merchant's long letter about is an extraordinary document, provides insights in three important areas. First, it allows us fill some gaps history early phases Portuguese empire building, questioning extent which Crown pursuing a clear coherent strategy that included conquest Malacca. Second, problematises further our conception “the Portuguese” reporting episodes Portuguese-on-Portuguese violence opposing views on objectives fleets Indian Ocean. Finally, unequivocally expresses admiration for international markets Eastern city-ports openly criticises militarist attitude lawless tactics viceroy, Alfonso de Albuquerque, thereby inviting reconsider chronology “cosmopolitan reaction” Italian writers visiting South Asia.