The Lost Treasure of the Flor de la Mar
In the early 16th century, the Flor de la Mar was one of Portugal’s most powerful and lavish ships. Built in 1502, this massive carrack was used for trading and military campaigns in the Indian Ocean. However, its most famous and mysterious journey came in 1511, when it was filled with what is believed to be one of the greatest lost treasures in history. The Great Treasure of Malacca In 1511, the Portuguese, led by Afonso de Albuquerque, conquered the wealthy trading city of Malacca (in present-day Malaysia). Malacca was a hub of trade between China, India, and the Middle East, filled with unimaginable riches. After seizing the city, Albuquerque loaded the Flor de la Mar with an enormous treasure—gold, silver, gemstones, and priceless artifacts taken from Malacca’s royal palace. It is said that this treasure was meant as a gift for King Manuel I of Portugal, a fortune so vast it could have made Portugal the wealthiest empire of its time. But fate had other plans. The Myster...