IDENTIFICATION -Palmares

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The Answer is Palmares was a quilombo, or a settlement of escaped slaves, that existed in the 17th century in the northeastern part of Brazil, particularly in the region that is now the state of Alagoas. The term "quilombo" comes from the Kimbundu word kilombo, which means "war camp". Quilombos were communities formed by African slaves who had fled from plantations and other forms of servitude to seek freedom and autonomy.

The most famous leader of Palmares was Zumbi, who is celebrated as a hero and symbol of resistance against the enslavement of African people. Zumbi became the leader of Palmares in 1678 and was known for his military tactics and diplomatic skills. Under his leadership, Palmares resisted numerous attacks by Portuguese colonial forces.

Palmares was not just a single settlement but a network of villages with a population that is estimated to have been in the tens of thousands at its peak. The inhabitants of Palmares developed a self-sustaining economy based on agriculture, hunting, and gathering. They also engaged in trade with neighboring settlements and even with some colonial towns.

The existence of Palmares challenged the colonial economic system that was heavily dependent on slave labor. It became a symbol of freedom and resistance, offering refuge to those escaping slavery and oppression. The Portuguese colonial government saw Palmares as a major threat and conducted several military expeditions to destroy it.

After decades of resistance, Palmares was finally defeated in 1694 by a Portuguese military expedition led by Domingos Jorge Velho. Zumbi was killed in combat in 1695, and his death marked the end of the major resistance that Palmares had provided. Despite its destruction, Palmares remains a significant historical and cultural symbol in Brazil, representing the struggle for freedom, social justice, and the resilience of Afro-Brazilian culture.

IDENTIFICATION -Palmares

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