The Personal Inventory of Governor Diogo de Azambuja e Melo (c. 1530-1599): Traces on the Career and Education of a Portuguese Overseas Empire Governor in the 16th and 17th Centuries

Abstract

Diogo de Azambuja and Melo was a Madeira governor of the late 16^th century, a position with which he ended a long career in the Portuguese overseas empire, and hold already in the service of the dual monarchy.
The insular function exercise had to respond to several issues that the new political situation demanded, but the fact that Madeira had been his last post came to allow him to perform an inventory, that reveals not only of his geographical itinerary and political career but also curious aspects related to his education and interests. The inventory, long and detailed, is thus a unique document, because rare, and a privileged observation post for the life of a member of the administrative and military elite of the empire.

Keywords

Diogo de Azambuja e Melo; Governor; Empire; Madeira Island; Inventory.