Siege of Recife (1630)

The Siege of Recife was a battle between Dutch and Portuguese forces near modern-day Recife, Brazil in 1630.

In the summer of 1629, the Dutch coveted a newfound interest in obtaining the captaincy of Pernambuco, the largest and richest sugar-producing area in the world. The Dutch fleet of 65 ships was led by Hendrick Corneliszoon Loncq; the Dutch West India Company gained control of Olinda by 16 February 1630, and Recife (the capital of Pernambuco) and the island of António Vaz (opposite Recife) by 3 March.

This began a war over Brazil, which would see the Dutch establish a colony called New Holland and end with the Portuguese regaining their captured possessions.