January 1505

The Casa da India has found itself with an insatiable desire for silver. In India silver is the preferred bouillon. Though through Africa the Casa da India has access to much gold, the gold is far more valuable in Europe than India. The most sensible place for the Casa da India to turn its gold and spices into silver is Antwerp.

Under the reign of João II Portuguese merchants established themselves in Antwerp. Portugal was importing vast amounts of gold, ivory, sugar, and other goods from West Africa and the Atlantic islands. For this purpose the Casa da Guinea required vast amounts of copper, both to build the bronze guns that enforced Portuguese naval power and as desirable currency in West Africa. The expansion into India has only increased the demand for copper. Fortunately, Antwerp is also an ideal location from which the spices of the Casa da India can be distributed throughout the North Sea. It is well situated with a thriving merchant community.

To meet the demand for silver and copper the Casa da India has decided to build a trade post in Antwerp with the blessing of the Duke of Brabant. Antwerp already has a thriving naçao Portugesa - Portuguese nation. It is made up of dozens of members who have carved out a little bit of Portugal along the Scheldt. The Casa da India will send a factor with orders and resources to draw on this community to build a factory to facilitate the sale of oriental goods in exchange for the bouillon needed for the Casa da India.

Sources: https://hermes-ir.lib.hit-u.ac.jp/hermes/ir/re/14820/chichukai0001300430.pdf https://openjournals.ugent.be/gvg/article/69882/galley/194120/download/

[M]Building a trade post holding in Antwerp so I can have better access to silver and sell my goods more profitably