Located at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, Hormuz held major strategic importance due to both its geography and its role in Asian and transcontinental trade. Conquered by Afonso de Albuquerque in two campaigns (1507 and 1515), it became one of the main pillars, alongside Goa and Malacca, of the Portuguese empire in Asia. After the conquest, the Portuguese built a fortress, installed a garrison and royal officials, and sought not to disturb the vibrant merchant community that converged to its market. They also allowed the restoration of the indigenous ruler and his administration, which was now obliged to pay an annual tribute, thus making Hormuz a kind of Portuguese protectorate or vassal state. The revolt of 1521, clearly orchestrated by local ruling elites, mainly the vizier, was triggered by demands for overdue tribute and by plans to install Portuguese officials in Hormuz customs. In late November, a violent surprise attack targeted the Portuguese population in the city: houses, goods and ships were looted or burned, and lives taken. Of the roughly 300 Portuguese residents, about 100 were killed, while many others were wounded or taken prisoner. Survivors took refuge in the fortress, where they endured a siege lasting several months. However, anticipating a Portuguese counteroffensive, much of the Hormuzian population fled to the neighboring island of Qeshm, following their king, who was later assassinated on the vizier’s orders amid internal rivalries. When reinforcements finally arrived from Goa, the Portuguese suppressed the revolt. In the ensuing settlement, they abandoned control of the customs but secured in turn a sharp increase in tribute and consolidated their dominance over Hormuz until its fall to the Persians in 1622.