Pre-Colonial

Prior to the colonisation of the Philippines by the Spanish, the islands that made up the Philippines were largely segregated in terms of how they managed and governed themselves. Some were even governed under the umbrella of a larger empire, such as the Bruneian Empire or Majapahit Empire.

Before the Spanish arrived and brought the islands together under a single name and government, the various influences on lifestyle and religion created an eclectic culture across the Philippines that has led to interesting findings for modern archaeologists. China, Japan, India and even religions such as Islam all left a notable mark on the Philippines that in some cases remained long after Spanish colonisation.

To find out more about the cultures and religions that influenced the Philippines before the Spanish arrived, click on the links below: