Sites & cities that bear the name of Cebu City

Cebu City

Today in : Philippines
First trace of activity : ca. 13th century C.E
Last trace of activity : today
Recorded names : Singapur, Singa-Puram, Singhapaha, Kota Singapura, Dakbayan sa Singapala, Lungsod ng Singapala, Barangay Mabolo, Singhapala, Sugbu, Sugbo

Description : Singhapala (Baybayin: ᜐᜒᜅ᜔ᜑᜉᜎ, Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Singapala, Tagalog: Lungsod ng Singapala, Old Malay: Kota Singapura) was an ancient fortified city or a region, the capital of the Indianized Rajahnate of Cebu. The location of this ancient city is what is now the modern Barangay Mabolo in the northern district of Cebu City. Founded by Sri Lumay or Raja Muda Lumaya, a half-Tamil prince from Sumatra. According to Aginid, Bayok sa atong Tawarik, a Visayan folk story, prior to the coming of the Spanish conquistadores, rajahnate was the common form of state or government of Cebu island. This rajahnate was established by Sri Lumay (c. 1200 CE.), who was a prince of Chola Dynasty that ruled Sumatra then who settled in Cebu with his son, Sri Alho, they ruled the south known as Sialo which included Valladolid, Carcar, up to Santander. Singhapala might continued to exist until 1565, when the Rajahnate was dissolved during the reign of Rajah Tupas by the forces of conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi in the battle of Cebu. Singhapala and the areas which is now composed of the modern Cebu City has incorporated in Spanish rule, and Miguel López de Legazpi 's party named the new city Villa de San Miguel de Cebú (later renamed "Ciudad del Santísimo Nombre de Jesús)." In 1567, the Cebu garrison was reinforced with the arrival of 2,100 soldiers from New Spain (Mexico). The growing colony was then fortified by Fort San Pedro.

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