Ruthlessness at Sea: The Dark Legacy of the VOC

This chapter explores the brutal history of the Dutch East India Company, particularly its oppressive practices in the Banda Islands that led to genocide. It highlights the moral ambiguities of the spice trade and the dangerous journeys sailors undertook, revealing the violent nature of many crew members. The narrative also examines the dynamics of power and fear among merchants aboard VOC ships, delving into the twisted character of Euronymous Cornelis and the broader implications of Anabaptist beliefs.