How Did Nutmeg Cause Wars In Indonesia? | The Spice Trail | Absolute History

Kate Humble embarks on a journey around the fabled spice islands of eastern Indonesia in search of two spices that launched epic voyages of discovery, caused bloody wars and shaped empires - nutmeg and cloves.
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[@kristineflores7998]

Im from the Philippines and I felt really sad for what our brothers from Indonesia had gone through. We as a nation were also subjected to oppression by Spain for 333 years, they have looted our gold and other minerals. To think that they were looking for the Spice Island but was mistakenly arrived here in the Philippines. They used us for other purposes. More power to Indonesia.

[@streetscienceofficial8675]

Salamat pogi Filipina from Indonesia, Mabuhay

[@FreyaNoTameNi]

yes more power to the oligarch of Indonesia!

[@Alex-my2qr]

As an Indonesian, I thank you for bringing this story to the world

[@anacletwilliams8315]

You are welcome.

[@GM-cq6ez]

... albeit incomplete and inaccurate.

[@anacletwilliams8315]

@@GM-cq6ez Thank you just the same.

[@muzithabethe8521]

@@anacletwilliams8315 ... Brilliant reflections here, how do I get in contact with you?

[@deniseespinoza4071]

@@anacletwilliams8315pp Min O I U I

[@sisterslothington]

The emotion with which the one leader speaks of the massacre, is so moving and sad. As a Hawaiian I can relate to the sadness you can feel for your ancestors and the treatment they went through by strangers who took over their land.

[@joshcruise2657]

If only the Hawaiians were left alone with there rich history of cannibalism and human sacrifice...

[@sisterslothington]

@@joshcruise2657 Hawaiians literally have no "rich history" of cannibalism and there was human sacrifice (as nearly every culture has at one point or another). But since you don't know which "there" to use (it was THEIR not there) I wouldn't expect you to know anything about what you're talking about. Ps. ancient Hawaiians were so knowledgeable about sustainability and were conscientious of how to sustain MANY generations in advance with irrigation, symbiotic relationships with plants and animals etc that they would likely be able to solve the global climate crisis we're in right now. But please go on about how you assume ancient cultures untouched by conquistadors are all primitive. 🙄 I'll wait.

[@lrein077]

@@sisterslothington Maikaʻi nō. You wrote so eloquently in response to @Josh Cruise. The ending of the presentation made me smile as the musicians played their instruments (ʻukulele, a Portuguese import). Aloha nō.

[@sisterslothington]

@@lrein077 Haha mahalo. ✌ True true, I guess some good came from them then. But hey, ipu/ipu heke is aaaaall us, brada. 😎🤙🏼

[@rootbeer4888]

@@sisterslothington Did Hawaiians not sacrifice people and animals and cook people to access their bones for rituals? If you are using a computer you have no place virtue signaling about climate change. Next time you need to go to the hospital you should only use techniques from peoples you elevate morally lol

[@jonathanahmad3990]

I'm an Indonesian, I live far west from the Maluku Islands. Now, I realized that my country has a very complex history. I also realize that Eastern Indonesians even experienced struggles not only with the Dutch and Japanese like most parts of Indonesia, but they also faced hardships with the Portuguese and England. But, with all the sadness that comes with these spices. the positive thing, Indonesia was born into a diverse country with all the acculturation of existing cultures from all over the world who came for this spice. Indonesia Spice Up the World! I like the presenter; You have a kind and warm heart. Big love from Indonesia, Kate Humble

[@inggrisvlogs9308]

Inggris &Travel around the world 9 minutes ago My wife is from Sangir island. There is a monument there her great great grandfather, who was killed by the VOC. I videoed a short clip here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j17En5eZpZaMo8U He is King Santiago, he fought the VOC defiantly after refusing to be their puppet king. We have family links on this island still, even after so many of the family did flee the island and sailed south, island hopping for a couple of centuries to hide from the colonisers! We’re currently enjoying ourselves in the wonderful country of Indonesia and loving it so much here! inggrisdantraveler-titok

[@albertusagterberg6093]

Jawab mu bagus👍

[@tombakmelayu3379]

The history created by the colony

[@virtuousceolady6091]

To watch that man cry as he told the story about the genocide of his people...I could feel his pain. This is the trauma that has been passed down. The pain is ever-present. It doesn't matter that you weren't there to live through it yourself. My heart goes out to the descendants of all the people of color, all over the world, who are still hurting from what Europeans did to their people for the love of money.

[@rhome4206]

As if people of colour all lived in harmony with one another

[@qwertyTRiG]

Generational trauma is definitely real. That said, the Europeans were in no way uniquely evil. They just got lucky.

[@PAWANGAERU]

It almost happened all around countries, genocide by European mostly conduct by dutch ALMOST NATIONWIDE, THE MOST HORRIBLE IS IN CELEBES ISLAND, THE WESTERLING GENOCIDE

[@ruveyda.zn.]

Hi, I am writing from Turkey! This video was very helpful in preparing my homework on Cloves. Thank you so much! Frankly, I didn't expect the story of a spice to be this deep... My horizons have expanded! I can't wait to tell my classmates what I've learned!

[@GM-cq6ez]

... but remember the source!!!

[@indahwulandari6236]

I'm an Indonesian, I'm not a chef but I do use nutmeg for my regular cooking. You can use nutmeg for Pasta sauce , red sauce or white sauce , they working well for either Soup like corn soup, chicken soup, beef stew, vegan soup, creme soup For little hint, don't get crazy with nutmeg, just use a tiny amount of them and it will enhance your recipe even more. I like to think it as a magic dust, that are so valuable so I must use it with wise. Also....if it possible, don't buy powder nutmeg, instead buy the whole nutmeg and grated it with Cheese grated when you are cooking. Powder nutmeg good for baking and drinks but not so flavoured for cooking. Sorry for my bad English. But Yes....nutmeg is amazing when you know how to use it. It's all about proportions. Nutmeg also goes well with bay leaves and pepper.

[@Nyctophora]

Thank you!

[@eskileriksson4457]

@@Nyctophora Your English is great! I'm not a chef either, but I find your advice good. I've been using freshly ground nutmeg for forty years now. In dishes like mashed potatoes and bechamel sauce it's essential, and I could probably use it sparingly in a lot more food. I have a small grater (much finer than a cheese grater), just for nutmeg.

[@NyagoNoir]

Awesome!! Thanks for the tips!! Oh and your English was perfect 👌🏾

[@thewastedgamer935]

Your English is a lot better than a lot of English people I know 😂

[@indahwulandari6236]

@@eskileriksson4457 , yes...yes... mashed potatoes are great with nutmeg ( yummy😋) also cordon bleau flour, KFC style fried chicken (add the nutmeg to the flour) oh so yummy..... But again nutmeg can be overpowering, even some of my friends and family are afraid to use it. But when you found the perfect amount that you can use, it will become essential ingredient in your recipe.

[@indahwulandari6236]

This is a heartwarming documentary....as you see, people in Banda, even little children can easily trust a stranger. Most of Indonesian are welcoming people, it doesn't change much since back then. This is also why, we were welcoming traders from around the world. But the Dutch take it as advantage and colonies our land for 350 years. Dominate our resources, slaving our man, This was sad. Because as you see....we are welcoming people.

[@jhnjhn3768]

Kindness is often mistaken as weakness. Sad but true.

[@donnygout4558]

im dutch myself, and ive known about the voc and spice islands and trade and such, but i didnt know this man, about the massacres and such, all i can say is for the last hundred years we have alot of indonesians migrate here to the netherlands, and we actually fully acepted their culture and foods into our own culture, so dutch and indonesian is like 2 hands on 1 belly now, love the people love the food, and lets not let the passed decide what kind of people we are today right?:)

[@ChunkierfishReviews]

@@donnygout4558 Generally speaking colonization of already inhabited land is not going to be nice in any way. But I agree you can't try and hold someone born today accountable for the horrible things that people did in the past, nor should you take credit for the accomplishments of others in the same way. In short your story is not written by the people who came before you. The only way this world works is if we learn these things but put them behind us and treat others how you would want to be treated.

[@deusexrockina]

I'm sorry that happen bro

[@indahwulandari6236]

Don't worry guys....we let everything in past. Many Indonesian stay in Netherlands and many Dutch stay in Indonesia. We hold no grudges upon what's happened in the past. It's parts of our history.

[@juliannester]

My grandfather is from Indonesia, I'm from the Netherlands. It's so immensely terrible what we as a people did in the name of economy. To see that pain, that heartache we caused, still being very prevalent in that society is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry.

[@gastromacho2]

Yes people still do terrible things for the economy. Wonder what people will say in the future about Amazon and other cheap labor they have "tied to" the machineries and assembly lines just to make a meager living

[@alexbaum2204]

Why are YOU sorry?

[@dpt6849]

your government is still doing the same. or you haven't figured out how lives are ruined in the present?

[@juliannester]

@@dpt6849 hence the words 'still prevalent '. This video is about the past though, I'm not commenting on a video about modern day atrocities my country is commiting. My comment pertains to this particular video. No need to act like I am ignorant to my everyday surroundings.

[@saiab7963]

still happening in the name Economic in middle East n Africa

[@stujanes]

I am Australian and live in the Maluccas with my Indonesian wife and family. I am very interested and amazed in the history of the area. I enjoyed your account but found one important piece missing and that was the presence of the Spanish and the first circumnavigation of the world by Magellan and his crew in the search of a western passage to find the Spice Islands.

[@zebra.babes123]

I think the documentary didn't note it anymore because Magellan never reached the Spice Island.

[@tamaliaalisjahbana6849]

@@zebra.babes123 He did not but his ships did under Elcano. They reached Ternate and Tidore but nutmeg was not grown there. Only cloves.

[@stephenkennedy9322]

@@tamaliaalisjahbana6849 You do realize when he mapped circumnavigating around the Earth he followed the ice wall until he got back where he started . No way past ice and didn't fall off the flat earth

[@GM-cq6ez]

@@zebra.babes123 Portuguese traders, led by Francisco Serrão were the first Europeans to arrive in the archipelago in 1512, known today as "Indonesia." Dutch and British traders, interested in nutmeg, cloves, and cubeb pepper in Maluku arrived shortly thereafter. In 1602 the Dutch established the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and became the dominant European power.

[@dboconnor57]

My Father used nutmeg in mashed potatoes. Mom said it was his ‘secret’ ingredient. Cloves for meats and gravies and grated nutmeg on pies and ice cream. This made me miss my dad.

[@whalefuhk]

The people she encounters are so beautiful inside and out. Their smiles and welcoming spirit are uplifting.

[@satyawirasenajaputra9888]

Most Indonesians really welcomes foreigners warmly. Especially foreigners visiting small regions.

[@kaleidomaiden]

7:14 RIP that man's paddle

[@chloebaker2000]

That was someone throwing water out

[@SavageMinnow]

Chloe Baker dude dropped his paddle. 🙄

[@SohanDsouza]

No spices for *him* today. Only bland porridge. 🤣

[@jenniferphillips9219]

The guy like 4 down from him got it, watch again, lol

[@_hadoken]

Haha I saw that and was like oop that's embarrassing.

[@bunkyman8097]

Nutmeg is a magical spice. I put it in everything. I always thought it be be exotic and knew it came from a place on earth very unlike my own. I am humbled by how easy it is to obtain now. I will never take it for granted and every time I grate it into my preparations I will see that man crying for his ancestors...may these people's god bless them abundantly, peace.

[@MrsBees]

The tribal leader talking about the massacre was heartbreaking. It's been 400 years and it seems like it was yesterday.

[@inggrisvlogs9308]

My wife is from Sangir island. There is a monument there for her great great grandfather was killed by the VOC. I videoed a short clip here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j17En5eZpZaMo8U He is King Santiago, he fought the VOC defiantly after refusing to be their puppet king. We have family links on this island still, even after so many of the family did flee the island and sailed south, island hopping for a couple of centuries to hide from the colonisers! We’re currently enjoying ourselves in the wonderful country of Indonesia and loving it so much here!

[@primemarketing7218]

yes it seems likr he experienced it or witnessing it by his own eyes, maube because that spiritual ceremony he did before he got connected to their ancestors somehow, i dont know

[@koolid7839]

Because that's only the beginning from the 350 years of colonialism, and fun fact New York are built by this island money.

[@wewenang5167]

they are not a tribe, that just sounded very colonial and orientalist, these people had kingdome kings and complex social structure.

[@000saysay]

Haha..he was just overacting. Cringy!

[@camerrill]

This woman has the best job ever!

[@nimrodephratah4695]

Catching tape worm from street food. 😂

[@hfharryful]

Greetings from India 🇮🇳..Indonesia is a great nation with lot of spice '. God bless Indonesia 🇮🇩 🙏 ❤

[@GM-cq6ez]

Since 2000 years ago, India and Indonesia have traded with each other and were culturally lined. Indian Traders arrived in the 1st Century. Hinduism and Buddhism were next to follow. During the 8th and 9th century, the world’s largest Buddhist complex Borobudur and Prambanan the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia were built near Yogyakarta in Central Java. In the 10th Century, students were sent to Nalanda Buddhist University in N.E. India. When Nehru visited Bali he said, "this is the morning of the world".

[@Comicscene.7289]

​@@GM-cq6ez in odisha we celebrate our trade through Bali yatra and kartik purnima

[@wulanjogjaistimewa6640]

Namaste. Respect & love from Indonesia to India.🇮🇩❤️🇮🇳

[@johnnycrepaul547]

I really love the traditional, culture and heritage of Indonesia. Thanks to all the Government and People of Indonesia.

[@kellyhiggins4234]

My grandmother immigrated from Portugal and I am now 62 yrs old she since passed . What lead me here is my betterhalf saw me putting a pinch of nutmeg in hamburgers and he was astonished at how much better and tender his burger had been. I told him my nana aka grandmother was huge on using nutmeg for just about everything rice puddings, , breads , beans you name it as always a pinch even in spaghetti sauce. So I decided to find out about this herb and who knew that the Portuguese went into a war over this spice. Thank you for posting. You all should know that nutmeg helps with cancer, stomach issues , pain in general infact in the old days dentist used nutmeg for pain. Look up the medical values of nutmeg. Blessings everyone. I got to try that rice recipe should be on Google. 💜✌🙏🏻💜

[@dwindepriansyah3593]

bukan berperang. lebih tepatnya menjajah, mencuri, membunuh dan merampas harta benda bangsa lain

[@Sink_Bread]

I hate how they don't teach all of this in school in the Netherlands. I'm researching all of this by myself in my 30s. They're trying to hide all the horrible things that happened. Which is not right. Admit that this happened! I know that I'm not responsible for what happened back then. And I do recognise that this happened

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

I was thought about the voc and our slave trading history in lower school in the 80s. So maybe your school didn't teach you.

[@Sink_Bread]

@@baronvonlimbourgh1716 I remember they did tell us a little bit. But I don't recall the true story about Indonesia. Also, my partner is Moluks. And they never told me in school that the people from the moluccan islands had to come to the Netherlands and didn't have a choice. They had to " stay for two years" and then they could go back. Not allowed to work. But after two years they still weren't allowed to go back (ofc thanks to that I met my partner. So it's a win for me :p )

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

@@Sink_Bread yeah ok. I did not get all the details, we where still kids. But it was clear to us that we wheren't the friendliest bunch back then. And it was explained that our golden age in the netherlands was because of practices we now concider to be horrible but where socially accepted back then. Our history was never glorified. But it wasn't condemned either. It is just our history, we are not responsible for that ofcourse, but it is still important.

[@anggitaputri3123]

@@baronvonlimbourgh1716 what both you and @Jewels said is heartwarming, yes you are not to be blamed because of what your ancestors did but you should remember it as history. Im Indonesian btw and I can relate to what you feel, because we Indonesians are doing the same to Timor Leste (tho it was smaller case and much shorter time). I havent born yet when Indonesian govt annexed Timor Leste as Indonesian province and barely a toddler when they declared independence. Timor Leste blame Indonesia like Indonesia blame Netherland for what they did to their predessor. Even tho it has nothing to do with me but I wont forget that it ever happened. (Tho what makes it awkward, Timor Leste cannot hate us for long since they life nextdoor and they import anything (like 80%) from Indonesia)

[@5thMilitia]

Bullshit. Maybe you weren't listening in class

[@satyawirasenajaputra9888]

Im an Indonesian historical tour guide based in Jakarta (Capital of Indonesia) and this is true 100%. Usually for us Jakartan we use nutmegs in our small cakes or just abit in tea/traditional coffee. Most of my foreign tourists always saying why nutmegs so expensive regardless in form of powder or just fresh picked. Then i tell them our spice history, and they just shock😂

[@inggrisvlogs9308]

My wife is from Sangir island. There is a monument there her great great grandfather was killed by the VOC. I videoed a short clip here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j17En5eZpZaMo8U He is King Santiago, he fought the VOC defiantly after refusing to be their puppet king. We have family links on this island still, even after so many of the family did flee the island and sailed south, island hopping for a couple of centuries to hide from the colonisers! We’re currently enjoying ourselves in the wonderful country of Indonesia and loving it so much here!

[@MrGdsuta]

The strong relationship between us Indonesian and the Dutch will remain be unfaded as long as we are willing to learn and accept the history. It’s a mixture of bitterness, evil actions from colonialist, and empathy from loving souls like Eduard (Multatuli) and Ernest Douwes Dekker. Now we are embracing a future where young generations must be taught not only about history of the past but also about love, forgiveness and compassion. We as human being should love each other regardless our colors, culture and civilizations. Love is the universal language we can share.

[@thepeff]

Whenever there's a cat running around the footage always makes it into any documentary

[@GuitarUniverse2013]

Do you understand it’s the very same cat in every single documentary?

[@gatamadriz]

My mother always had a nutmeg grater, with a lid for fresh nutmeg. We always grated it into sauces, for baking, etc. It is a powerful spice, like clove, a little goes a long way. It gives such a sweet but earthy taste.

[@BoggWeasel]

I won't complain about the price of cloves or nutmeg ever again

[@jazzcatt]

Those people make hardly any money off of their hard work. It's all of the middle men who do.

[@woosh-if-gae5772]

I don't need to but them i grow them 😁

[@nafismudhofar]

Back in the day, a sack of nutmeg can cost you a House in England. So yeah, I agree with you.

[@ProximaCentauri88]

This is the reason behind the discovery of my island by the Spanish armada which eventually lead to the colonization of the entire group of islands for Spain. Moluccas's nutmeg and clove, for this reason, started a chapter in the lives of my ancestors and the birth of the nation now called the Philippines.

[@skyinuri8868]

underrated comment. 80% philipine people surely forgot this also

[@KimAhrina11]

Btw feel like you're everywhere kuya lol, also Spain didn't colonize the entire islands or all the places deep down in the countryside etc

[@Casey5693]

The Banda people survived genocide and retook the trees that were stolen from them. They deserve to be proud people. I pray they get all their land back.

[@petercarioscia9189]

I'm pretty sure they do have their land back? Well, their government has their land.

[@petercarioscia9189]

You are so virtuous.

[@Hooibeest2D]

90% of all people living there where relocated. The massacre killed everyone except 300 souls. In Dutch colonial time people had their own land and had to pay 30% tax. Now they dont have land and have to pay 35% tax. After ww2 the Dutch promised the Banda islands and Mollusks among other their own independen countries, as in the colonial time indonesia wasn't one country it was one colony consisting out of several kingdoms and states. Now it's one big dictatorships. Shouldn't have been one big Indonesia.

[@Casey5693]

@@Hooibeest2D So kinda like the African continent in that way?

[@samdonohoe9796]

All of human civilization is just a story of one group of humans killing one another for land and territory, some go extinct, just look at what monkeys do we aren't any different

[@frizzky7976]

This is an eye-opening documentary if i may say, as Indonesian myself, we taught this subject in elementary / middle school i still remember him (Jan Pieterzoon Coen) now i can imagine how the Dutch wanted our spice so much, it’s that worthy.

[@maleahlock]

I absolutely loved the enthusiasm and empathy from the host. She asked all of the right questions and, most importantly, engaged with the people as human beings. Many documentaries are not this personal or aware of the horrible repercussions of colonialism and I am so pleased she let them tell their story in their own words and emotions. Excellent work!

[@JWMcLay]

I wholeheartedly agree with you on that one! So often presenters seem to remain distant from the people and culture they are visiting. Kate Humble is fantastic!!

[@chanceopinion]

Wel done Kate, you really connected with those women and that crying man there. Good job, fantastic.

[@sitinowak]

I am Indonesian born but have lived in Europe for over 60 years. It's the first time I came across this beautiful documentary. Thank you.

[@WeneedpeaceNlovefromJC777]

My goodness I don’t even know this history , good to know VOC get that far even to Ambon . Indonesia very rich with all spices , no wonder when I smell clove why it smell like Indonesian cigarette. Indonesia have a lot of history and mystery in every island . I miss fresh coconut that I cook with my Indonesian curry all I can use coconut milk from can ,you Don’t see or judge the place where you eat in Indonesia , usually the most delicious one it’s not in restaurant but street food or small place call warteg. It’s funny story , I did met old Dutch lady not in Indonesia but outside Indonesia but when she hear My friend from Indonesia , I can feel she had sense of guilt and she feel ashamed want to avoid us 🤣.

[@dungeonbrownies]

@Townsends has entered the chat.

[@KelseyDrummer]

I'd like to see a review of this on the Nutmeg Tavern!🤣

[@Daeltha]

I wonder if it was a bit like this: Producer: "Hey would you mind doing a documentary on spices?" Kate Humble: "Sure what could possibly go wrong" Also Kate: *became Princess*

[@dennisaur66]

the cat walking in the Sultan's court at 41:31 is epic.

[@hospitalar2001]

They need some dogs

[@sakurakitsunestar]

It looks like one of my boys lol

[@dandeleon2764]

You fool; that IS THE SULTAN!

[@IndoCropCirclesOfficial]

As an Indonesian, I tell you that throughout history, the territory of Indonesia was colonized by 4 European countries, they are Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and British, and one Asian country, Japan. However, all the colonial countries controlled only a part of the territory or in a very small area, except for the Dutch which controlled almost all of Indonesia. But as an Indonesian, I must admit that all Indonesian people have never hated the people of those countries that have colonized us. Indonesians have never hated Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, British or Japanese. That's one of my pride as an Indonesian, we Indonesian people never hate them and our people are very friendly to anyone. Perhaps this character was used by the European colonizers in the past, and was seen as a "weakness". If you don't believe it, come and visit Indonesia and prove for yourself that our people are friendly, humble and kind.

[@ilahildasissac1943]

I am from Chicago and love to cook with the mentioned spices. I have always wanted to know the historical and sad history of the Spice Islands.

[@paranoya733]

Spice islands are beyond than spices, even today, it's home of natural resources like Nickel (used to make EV battery), eternal gas offshore, and rich of fishes, if u ever heard troubles happening in that area because it was engineered even geopolitically

[@GM-cq6ez]

Not nearly as sad as India's under British rule. The local people in the Dutch East Indies intermarried, whereas the British did not so much.

[@paranoya733]

@@GM-cq6ez Because the dutch don't have many colonial states as british

[@spellonyou7987]

The fruit of nutmeg is also delicious, Indonesian used it on pickles and I absolutely love it.

[@susanhowe163]

I LOVE HER GENUINE EXCITEMENT AND FASCINATION ABOUT EVERYTHING SHE SEES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES AND IS VERY RESPECTFUL OF THE WAYS OF THE PEOPLE. HER ENTHUSIASM IS VERY CONTAGIOUS.

[@mndlessdrwer]

It really is a great mentality to have when approaching archaeology.

[@ahmedbenidir7098]

Yes i agree...a Great act she puts

[@lisapop5219]

Is there a reason why you are screaming?

[@ilahildasissac1943]

Same here. What would our culinary palattes be without them?

[@meyhanf]

@@lisapop5219 not every caps expressing that you’re screaming duh

[@mikeFolco]

Love the farmer's enthusiasm!

[@VadaVoo]

Do you think he likes nutmeg? LOL I wish I had that kind of enthusiasm about something other than sleep. haha He's a hoot!

[@JWMcLay]

He was a character, effervescent and full of life! Love him

[@JudhaztKASKUS]

OMG. This is a masterpiece documentary. I watch this without skipping. Bravo, from Indonesia. MERDEKA !!

[@lucygray6162]

After reading the fiction novels "Silver Nutmeg" and "Scent of Cloves" by Norah Lofts many years ago, I was delighted to see the islands and people of Banda Neira.. Their long history is fascinating, especially in the 1600s when the English and Dutch vied for control. Although the books are somewhat outdated now, Mrs. Lofts had a gift for human characterization and situations woven in true history. Thanks for this special, I feel like I returned to a place I knew many years ago, only better off now.

[@GM-cq6ez]

Imagine if the English had not lost to control by the Dutch how similar to India's sad history under British control the people of the Dutch East Indies would have ended up!

[@muh.andianto]

Thanks for mentioning the books. I am looking for a books with the setting of Indonesia around early colonialism century but from western perspective. If anybody know other books, I am glad to look at it.

[@GehanAdel]

This heartwarming documentary has to be taught at schools how much those people can trust strangers and how much they are welcomed and hospitalized but which makes me staggered their way they keep represent the brutality their ancestors had faced to keep their memories alive thanks a lot ❤️🌷❤️👏

[@chriskewe4238]

So it was with every society that welcomed the west, from Asia to Africa. They left destruction in their wake...

[@arysulistyo3602]

I'm Indonesian so proud of spice-route is filmed. There are far before Europe come to archipelago and colonize, the local traders already exsisted like using traditional vessel called Phinisi vessel, a traditional austronesian type-technique vessel from South Celebes same as she used for sail to eastern Indonesia.

[@motorola9956]

Pinisi have only been around since 1900, it was not from a native design nor was constructed by the Buginese or the Makassarese. Pinisi is a type of sailing rig (jenis ponton layar) and was made by the konjo tribe of Sulawesi. Do not state things that you don't know out of pride as it will shame yourself and your country. cited; en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinisi

[@paranoya733]

As Filipino, not many Filipino knew that this nutmeg was the reason why Ferdinand Magellan travelled across the world and found Cebu island on his way to Banda island known as Spice Island

[@irvinpena1735]

Nutmeg, cloves and cinamon ang hinahanap nila Magellan na spices. Bonus na lang ang discovery sa Pilipinas.

[@arthurmorgan2887]

It was the reason why most colonizers took ship after Ottoman's blockade. Portugal started the age of Discovery and found it first, in its search, it even destroyed Malacca Sultanate, the biggest power in the archipelago at that time, and occupied Malacca strait and Malay Peninsula, they pretty much hid it after that. Spain wanted to follow the trend. Spice Islands=Moluccas was basically 'India' to the Spanish and Portuguese at the time since it was indian traders who did most of trade with Europe before Ottoman's conquest. Portugal from Indian Ocean, Spain from Pacific Ocean, their goal was the same "Spice Islands", Spain landed in Philippines and couldn't quite get full monopoly to Spice Islands (although they did their fair share of robbings, killings, and hostage situations). The Dutch went for it because of Iberian Union that screwed it over with its spice monopoly. The british followed afterwards but took over the real India instead of 'East India'. The Spice was really the 'gold' of that era. You can argue the reason why Portugal destroyed Malacca Sultanate and Spain colonized the Philippines was because of these islands' existence.

[@skyinuri8868]

yeah so rare filipino wanted to know

[@paranoya733]

@@skyinuri8868 Our history & cultures were removed by the spanish

[@streetscienceofficial8675]

Salamat pogi Filipina, Mabuhay from Indonesia

[@Sanddog-uj9rt]

Despite the sadness and pain of the history, I have learned more from this series about the origins of these spice cabinet staples and appreciate them all the more. It also raises the awareness and hopefully the effort that goes into them.

[@ChefStache]

So this lady goes on a trip to document the history of spice farming and becomes Islamic royalty. That is so wild

[@elhombredeoro955]

Every Sultan wants a White woman in his Harem.

[@bangjago4260]

@@elhombredeoro955 lol

[@whelmavlog8704]

I saved the history this episode..nutmeg and Cloves...its lovely country Indonesia 🇮🇩 ❤

[@fatimahayu8135]

I drop in here because this video is on my feed. 2 yrs after, I'm from central Java but now living far away in the north west side of Indonesia. In Tanjungpinang, Riau Island. Every part of Indonesia has their own story and history of Colonial. I'm crying when the village's leader crying while tell the story of the massacre. It's deep and sad, consider he just heard the story from their parents/family. THIS IS EPIC JOURNEY. thank you for sharing to the rest of the world. Every student must see this video. Thank you 🙏🙏

[@kopal0j]

I am Indonesian, I live island nearby Maluku area (Wakatobi, transit islands before reach Banda from western), my grandfather also cultivate Nutmeg, clove, Cacao etc. Still remembered when I was as child my family always ask me to help to harvest the cloves (brand is typically small, for adult need additional cantilever to support their body)

[@risdabandawati6298]

Aaaah Banda.. my birthplace. Yes yes, you can find those spices in east of Indonesia

[@user-xj6uu7gg8e]

Please marry me. I want to live there Haha

[@andriil1896]

I can tell it by your name 😂

[@KelseyDrummer]

"Needs a bit more Nutmeg..."

[@SlothWolfen]

Nutmeg: Exists JOHN TOWNSEND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW YOUR LOCATION

[@DBT1007]

he need to come to Indonesia

[@libraryofthoughts0]

@@DBT1007 well duh

[@Kusunoky]

🤣😂

[@tuckergary1516]

75 yr oid american in laos

[@inggrisvlogs9308]

My wife is from Sangir island. There is a monument there her great great grandfather, who was killed by the VOC. I videoed a short clip here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j17En5eZpZaMo8U He is King Santiago, he fought the VOC defiantly after refusing to be their puppet king. We have family links on this island still, even after so many of the family did flee the island and sailed south, island hopping for a couple of centuries to hide from the colonisers! We’re currently enjoying ourselves in the wonderful country of Indonesia and loving it so much here!

[@MiddleSumatra]

Well, now i know why asian and arab traders kept the location of spices island a "secret" to the european traders...

[@TheVJTiticaca]

Thank you for making this video. I am from Holland and i never am educated by state school about the horror done to Banda. I am deeply ashamed by my ancestors, and even more that this isnt educated in holland. they teach us it was the golden age, but they dont teach the dirt, terrible and than we have in a city in holland a statue of that horror man coen. they wont take it down they only placed a marginal mention that although he was good he did some bad things. seeing this docu. my god how can we they ever think a marginal plate on the statue is enough. they should replace the statue with something that honours the murdered chiefs. it is those people holland has to thank for ever for the riches and wealth their lives brought holland. For ever in your dept dear beautifull people of Banda. i will do anything to make your voices and stories are rewriting the history of the VOC as teached in holland.

[@skididiewskid6549]

a europe centric historian might be define the time of this happened as a golden age.but for many southeast asia historian the time of the european land first time in our land was a start of a very long time massacre and slavery. it fascinates me as an indonesian. I know its just how the world work back then, but the least people could do is acknowledged all of that bad things happened. because I still see some people like doesnt think all of that exist.

[@decantabriaball938]

@Darren Munsell based

[@beatamafulu2405]

Do feel ashamed of your ancestors, I am from Congo yes my ancestors went trough a lot, we are still going through bad things up till now. Is it only the other race who are bad? Of course not.

[@5thMilitia]

@@skididiewskid6549 The time in general is not defined as a Golden Age but only for the Dutch. For the Dutch it was truly a Golden Age and the Asian trade wasn't even the cause of it.

[@wewenang5167]

@@5thMilitia without the money that indonesian trade brought to holland, you won't have a golden age, england or France would already conquered yall if you don't have money to built your armada...all the wonderful buildings, road, canals and palaces that are in holland now came from that money.

[@EWSFoTo]

I really enjoyed watching this documentary and the people of this island are really welcoming and friendly. It makes me want to go there. Love nutmeg and use it for many recipes. Before serving a swiss cheese fondue add a bit of fresh grounded nutmeg.

[@pmchamlee]

Kate, you are a most charming presenter, and it is obvious you do arduous and voluminous research before you take on a challenge! I greatly admire you!

[@GM-cq6ez]

To understand and appreciate the subject much better, read: "The Nutmeg Trail"!

[@flyesouisi]

On my Caribbean Island we grow and use nutmeg a lot in drinks. Also mix in home grown cocoa drink.

[@Cosmiccoffeecup]

Grenada?

[@prajwol_poudel]

more documentries like this!! such a dense and wild history just on some spice.

[@inggrisvlogs9308]

My wife is from Sangir island. There is a monument there her great great grandfather was killed by the VOC. I videoed a short clip here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j17En5eZpZaMo8U He is King Santiago, he fought the VOC defiantly after refusing to be their puppet king. We have family links on this island still, even after so many of the family did flee the island and sailed south, island hopping for a couple of centuries to hide from the colonisers! We’re currently enjoying ourselves in the wonderful country of Indonesia and loving it so much here!

[@emmettbattle5728]

i also like how she interacted with people, many interviewers or documentary hosts dont have respectful joy or awe towards living locals. she seemed so friendly and happy to be included, instead of seeing them as just there to give her footage.

[@gairahadam5304]

As Indonesian I found the meaning cakalele from this video, nowadays not many Indonesian understand about this historical dance, hope so will not vanish

[@lakrids-pibe]

You can see (and hear) the influence from Portugal in the ukulele-music. The three stringed ukulele is called a cuk.

[@boringbreaker]

Yes it is. That music is called Keroncong. Indonesian language is also one of the influence of Portugal.

[@Decypha77]

@@boringbreaker any chance you know what the last song is called? Starts at 56:46.

[@telorceplok8812]

fun fact: 'cuk' in javanese means fuck

[@creaturecreature2432]

@@boringbreaker Keroncong is Javanese. Are you sure that's Keroncong? It's their ethnic music. Don't try to mix it up.

[@Crow29803]

I will never look at nutmeg the same again! It’s a spice I will honor using now! Will pleasure and give a prayer before using!

[@Cykablyat-ps6vb]

I grow with nutmegs

[@davidmatamoros7146]

I love nut meg

[@jaivkoltun4948]

So wonderful to see the 'Silolona' being used in this doco, added a wonderful presence and grace to a fascinating yet challenging story. . .

[@putricandyono1235]

Banda is lovely isn't it?🥰 i'm from Banda island, born and grown up there. Favorite part in my childhood is picnic. Picnic for us means going to other island (kinda isolate or no people living) with friends or neighbor and bring many food. I really like the fish barbeque. I usually drop it in sea when its so hot and enjoy it while in water. What lovely memories. As for information, here in Banda "everybody's know everybody's". Maybe this is perfect slogan to describe Banda. I also recognize some faces in this video.✌️😉 I enjoy this video, it's really informative. Warm regards from Banda Neira🥰

[@FreyaNoTameNi]

but your name indicates your ancestor is from java

[@putricandyono1235]

Hahaha no.. i am originally made from Banda✌️ maybe you see my family name "Candyono". Sounds Javanesse right?😄 My father convert it before from "Tjiang" or in Chinese 張. Because some regulation at that time. Also what I know that my grany from father side was there for so long, before indonesia got it's independence even. They are chinese descent. Maybe you could say Indonesia-Chinese. We are diversity, many descents living there. Arab, Java, also some mix with Dutch or Portuguese. We born there, we are Banda people🥰 Or maybe when you are in Banda you can ask some locals there. They know our family, we know them as well😉

[@somersetdc]

The presenter is terrific 👍. She is engaging and absolutely fantastic at conveying her information.

[@GM-cq6ez]

Phony!

[@ashley-cz1sl]

Watching them whip each other with the palm leaves. That was hard to watch. I now have greater respect for where Nutmeg and cloves comes from.

[@ThePigeonBrain]

Thanks, Absolute History, for making me crave nutmeg jam.

[@jasonmgavitt2357]

What is nutmeg jam?it sounds slamming.

[@normanodarbilnagali3147]

amazing history as told in the English point of view. it's nice to see or hear the other side of the coin before being judgemental. if we can speak Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish, or French, and watch their version of this same story, we might learn about British brutalities as well.

[@essieessie5399]

Agreed. The presenter being British presented an extremely biased report making it appear as if the Brits were such good guys. The British were always on the heels of the dutch looking for their piece of the pie (S.Africa). The British were equally if not worse brutalists!

[@ifferl8781]

I enjoyed the people on the islands more then the history. What wonderful communities. I also enjoy the commentors of this video!

[@DeihanDzilky]

*_Jangan Melupakan Sejarah, dari sejarah kita bisa belajar..._*

[@chrisaguilera1564]

The story of the spice trade was the start of globalization.

[@waynesullivan3036]

the cat walking in the Sultan's court at 41:31 is epic.

[@EricSpearsSangha]

These documentaries are amazing! The Spice Trail is now among my favorites of all time. Thank you!

[@kelapabaru2830]

Now, nutmeg and clove are spread all over Indonesian island. I am the farmer in Sulawesi island who plant nuteg and clove

[@yami_garasu]

people in 16th century : go to southeast asia for cloves and nutmeg 🧐 people in 21st century : go to southeast asia for youtube engagement and nasi goreng 😂

[@njabulobhebhe7145]

Really with all my heart l love ket humble. From Zimbabwe

[@pustakarileks7404]

Are you real from zimbabwe?

[@richiemahilum9091]

The Europeans greed for that spices are the reasons of the sufferings of southeast asian nations. I feel sorry for my ancestors of what they have been through on those dark years most especially in the Philippines.

[@jimmylove7760]

The spices were just a product. The end game was money and then power both provided by the product.

[@dpt6849]

luckily the japanese didn't make philippines suffer...

[@KimAhrina11]

but you all wanna have European blood/mestizo, are not you? lol

[@lanzi655]

Fantastic work I did learned a lot. Using does spices for years but never expected that kind of history and work behind it. That changed a lot about my few off spices. Thank you so much.

[@calebray4168]

Maybe that 30 percent tax is part of the reason 150 trees doesn’t come out to enough to support a family. Sounds like Somebody’s robbing somebody

[@DBT1007]

every country have their own tax policy. taxing industries is not robery. and tax policy for residential, commercial, and industrial thing are different. usually the industrial tax is the highest. and also dont forget about the luxury tax. but yeah i agree about that 30 percent tax. the government should make it lower. Like 20% maybe.

[@Kusunoky]

Just to resume all. Corruption is king in South Asia.

[@yellowsky3843]

@@DBT1007 it is theft after a certain point

[@pernillemadsen6771]

Such a great documentary, with an unexpected turn of events. Kate Humble humbly becomes princess of Banda. Loved it.

[@caraf8727]

My inner child would be smiling like I’m finally a princess! 😆

[@filipematias5127]

The PORTUGUESE started the spice trail directly to Europe throughout the Atlantic - Indian - Pacific oceans route taking it away from the Ottoman Empire that had its Venitian and Genoan intermidiaries in the Mediterrenean Sea!

[@simetric6551]

Yes, indeed but this is a British documentary in which Portugal and Spain have nothing to do with it. Typical anglophile bias media

[@drpepper3838]

History is written by the Victors:) Portugal got replaced by the Dutch who had the monopoly for 200 years and the biggest merchant fleet in the world.

[@FlockofAngels]

Amazing indigenous people and lands... 💓

[@crunchies4me]

💖

[@harichalla90]

Lovely documentary. I'm so glad to see all those joyous little faces.

[@TheLadybughug]

50:48 what an absolutely gorgeous and fantastic scene. Yes the host can be a tad irritating at times, but I am grateful for these videos. She must have had a blast! Wow!

[@manishbhatia5302]

Many thanks for showing this part of History. Appriciated

[@toddbarnert3515]

I planted 400 fruit trees today, but apples and plums… I have planted maybe 25,000 fruit and nut trees this year sometimes I just throw the seeds in areas that I know are protected by I could easily say I did that with around 15,000 cherries. Most of it has been put in pots for sales in the future , so they can expand. Sometimes I grow for the farm that I am developing this nursery at the same time as a plant and wildlife refuges. Everybody expects nature to grow all of us everywhere and she can and just supply the seeds or the cutting work for each one of us to get some branches of your favorite tree, and just stick them in the ground

[@TheFLOMAN76]

Our hostess is gorgeous! And I love this well-informed episode so thank you very much! GOOD STUFF!!

[@kaiskid5849]

An absolutely amazing documentary! Such a good job covering a much-overlooked story

[@cicichocoholic5599]

The community there is so nice and welcoming 🥺🥺

[@gatamadriz]

A fascinating journey. Well done.

[@ayureskirongre4511]

That's amazing video. I am Indonesian so proud that the history of the spice route in Indonesia is documented.

[@465maltbie]

Wonderful storytelling, thank you for sharing. Charles

[@alkarimremtulla3260]

Kate Humble, your presentations are beautifully done ...... As beautiful as you are. Well Done 👍👍

[@Treestorey79]

In a mountains village of munduk Bali, indonesia there are still a lot of historic old Dutch houses,with the local live in them.Some are still look good as new 🏠

[@rengeronig9695]

very nice and interesting, informative and honest presentation . . . we need more of such history . . . thank you . . .

[@786Muzik]

Thank you for sharing this history.

[@eszedtwo]

This is such a great documentary…

[@katmandudawn8417]

I feel very dumb right now. I just realized the source of the name of my BANDA brand spices. I had no idea it was an actual place and so old.

[@CuriousEarthMan]

I have never seen Banda spices. I've seen Badia spices all over the place. I think they're headquartered in Miami, FL.

[@johnwilson9562]

A fantastic series on spices.

[@carefulconsumer8682]

Excellent video. What a fantastic experience you had for this film!

[@maicrowsoft8867]

Excellent documentary!