Pre-Colonial Philippine History

Pre-Colonial Philippine History

• Archaeological evidence from 2007 discovered in the Callao Cave, Cagayan, indicates the presence of human activity in the Philippines dating back thousands of years.
• The Laguna Copperplate Inscription (LCI), discovered in Laguna, is the oldest known written document in Philippine history, dating back to the 10th century.
• The LCI records a debt forgiveness granted by the Chief of Tondo to Namwaran, mentioning locations in both the Philippines and Indonesia.
• The Tabon Cave in Palawan was the site of the discovery of the Tabon Man skull cap by Dr. Robert Fox in 1962, providing insights into early human populations in the Philippines.

The "Ten Bornean Datus" Story

• The legend of the Ten Bornean Datus fleeing from the Sultan of Borneo to the Philippines has been passed down through oral tradition.
• Recent studies indicate that the story lacks written evidence and highlights possible inconsistencies.
• Despite the absence of written confirmation, the story has become deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.

Traditional Filipino Communities

• The Barangay was the basic unit of governance in pre-colonial Philippines.
• The Raja or Datu was the leader of the Barangay, responsible for maintaining community peace and order and protecting the community from external threats.
• The "Sandugo," a symbolic ceremony of blood compact, was used to forge alliances between different tribes.
• Inheritance in the Barangay was based on bloodlines, with the eldest son, daughter, or a close relative becoming the successor.
• Leadership required extensive knowledge of Barangay customs and traditions.

Social Classes in the Barangay

• The Raja or Datu was the highest authority in the Barangay.
• Maharlika, or "noble people," were relatives of the Datu or Raja who did not pay taxes.
• Timawa were free commoners, who likely paid taxes.
• Alipin were a class of laborers, divided into two groups: Aliping Namamahay, who owned land, and Aliping Sagigilid, who did not own land.

The First Mass in the Philippines

• The site of the first mass in the Philippines, celebrated by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, has long been debated.
• Two Jesuit historians provided accounts that support the claim that the first mass was held in Masao (Butuan).
• Albo's Logbook and Pigafetta's chronicle, both records of Magellan's expedition, provide evidence for the claim that the first mass was held in Limasawa.
• Republic Act 2733 officially declares Limasawa as the site of the first mass.

The "Cavite Mutiny" of 1872

• The "Cavite Mutiny" was a rebellion that occurred on January 20, 1872, in Cavite and Manila.
• The rebellion was widely believed to be a conspiracy involving educated leaders, mestizos, native lawyers, residents of Manila and Cavite, and native clergy.
• The "Cavite Mutiny" is considered a significant event in Philippine history, as it led to the execution of key nationalist figures and strengthened the Spanish government's grip on the country.

Philippine History Writing

• Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in the Philippines in 1521 marked the beginning of a new era in Philippine history writing.
• Filipino scholars like Dr. Jose Rizal played a key role in documenting and analyzing Philippine history.
• The complexities of Philippine history are reflected in the variety of perspectives and accounts presented by historians.
• Historians utilize primary sources such as archival documents, library collections, and antique collections to construct their narratives.

Explore the rich tapestry of pre-colonial history in the Philippines through archaeological finds and legends. Discover significant discoveries like the Laguna Copperplate Inscription and the Ten Bornean Datus story that shape our understanding of early Filipino societies. This quiz challenges your knowledge of events and artifacts that define this era.