Filipe de Brito e Nicote

Who was Filipe de Brito e Nicote?

Filipe de Brito e Nicote or Nga Zinga was a Portuguese adventurer and mercenary in Rakhine service.

Born to French father in Lisbon, Portugal, de Brito first traveled to Southeast Asia as a cabin boy. He eventually served under the King of Arakan, and became governor of Thanlyin in 1599. Returning to Goa the next year to gain official recognition, he returned in 1602 and awarded "Commander of Syriam", "General of the conquests of Pegu", and "King of Pegu" by the Portuguese royal court.

In 1613, de Brito's Thanlyin was besieged by Burmese forces of King Anaukpetlun. After the fall of the city in April 1613, de Brito was executed by impalement. His friend and ally, Burmese Toungoo prince Natshinnaung was converted to Roman Catholicism and was baptized by a priest from Goa. Being the rebellious ruler of Toungoo, Natshinnaung was also executed in 1613 with de Brito.