Pre Colonial Philippines explained in 2 minutes

Summary

The video explores the often-overlooked pre-colonial history of the Philippines, highlighting its advanced culture and systems. Contrary to the common belief of Filipinos living as primitive tribes before Spanish colonization, the video explains that the Filipinos had organized governments led by leaders called 'datus,' a justice system, and a self-sufficient way of life, including agriculture, such as the Banaue Rice Terraces. The Philippines engaged in trade with neighboring countries like China and Japan long before Magellan's arrival in 1521. The video argues that Spanish colonizers labeled Filipino customs as 'barbaric' to justify the spread of Western culture and Christianity.

Takeaways

• 🕰️ The video discusses Philippine history, particularly the often overlooked pre-colonial period.
• 👑 In pre-colonial times, Filipinos had a structured government led by tribal chiefs called 'Datu.'
• ⚖️ Unlike Spanish rulers, a Datu could be legally impeached by the common people.
• 🛡️ Pre-colonial Filipinos had their own justice system, which was simpler but functional for their society.
• 🌾 The society was self-sufficient, contrary to the belief that Filipinos were starving during that time.
• 🏞️ The Banaue Rice Terraces, a notable farming achievement from the pre-colonial period, still exist today.
• 🌍 Filipinos were already trading with China and Japan long before the arrival of Magellan in 1521.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The pre-colonial period Filipinos were not 'jungle-living savages' but had an advanced culture.
• 🚢 Magellan did not 'discover' the Philippines, as Filipinos had already established international trade.
• ✝️ The pre-colonial era ended with Spanish colonization in 1565, leading to the Westernization of Filipino culture and the introduction of Christianity.

Q & A

What is the common focus when discussing Philippine history?

Philippine history discussions often focus on the Spanish era, American era, or World War II, with less emphasis on the pre-colonial period.

What misconception do people have about the pre-colonial period in the Philippines?

People often think of the pre-colonial Filipinos as barbaric tribes and cavemen, but in reality, they had a rich culture.

Who were the leaders of the tribes in pre-colonial Philippines?

The leaders of the tribes were called 'Datu,' who served their people and could be legally impeached by the common people.

Did pre-colonial Filipinos have a justice system?

Yes, they had a justice system, which, though less complex than modern ones, was functional for their society.

Were pre-colonial Filipinos self-sufficient in terms of food and resources?

Yes, contrary to popular belief, they were self-sufficient and not starving. They practiced farming and utilized resources efficiently.

What is one notable agricultural achievement from the pre-colonial period?

The Banaue Rice Terraces, located in the northern part of the Philippines, are a notable agricultural achievement from the pre-colonial period and are still in use today.

Did Ferdinand Magellan truly 'discover' the Philippines?

No, the Philippines had already been engaging in trade with countries like Japan and China long before Magellan arrived in 1521.

What does the script suggest about the notion of Filipinos as 'savages' during pre-colonial times?

The script suggests that this is a misconception, as Filipinos had an advanced culture before the Spanish colonization.

What was considered 'barbaric' by the Spanish colonizers?

Anything that contradicted Spanish culture was deemed 'barbaric,' even though pre-colonial Filipinos had a rich and advanced culture.

When did the pre-colonial period in the Philippines officially end?

The pre-colonial period ended when the Philippines was 'discovered' in 1521 and colonized in 1565 by the Spaniards, who began introducing Western culture and Christianity.