City (pop., 2000: 718,821), capital of Cebu province, Philippines. Located on the eastern coast of Cebu Island, it is the oldest Spanish city in the Philippines. It possesses an excellent harbour, sheltered by Mactan Island.
Attracted by Cebu's focal position, Ferdinand Magellan landed there in 1521 and converted the ruler to Christianity; in a later war expedition on the ruler's behalf, Magellan was killed on Mactan Island. Occupied by Miguel López de Legazpi in 1565, it was until 1571 the capital of Spanish possessions in the Philippines. It remained the primary Spanish bastion in the south and had prominent roles in insurrections against both Spain and the U.S. Having recovered from heavy damage sustained in World War II, Cebu City is now a cultural and commercial centre.
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