About João Caeiro
João Caeiro was a military personnel, known for Battle of Martaban (1540–41).
João Caeiro (also spelled as João Cayeyro, Joano Cayeyro, John Cayero ) was a 16th-century Portuguese mercenary in the service of King Tabinshwehti of the Toungoo Dynasty, rulers in modern day Burma (Myanmar). He was the leader of a group of 700 Portuguese mercenaries who as musketeers and artillery men fought at the battle of Martaban (1540–41). They were opposed by Martaban's defenses which employed another group of Portuguese mercenaries led Paulo de Seixas. Caeiro is said to have seriously considered defecting to the side of Saw Binnya, the ruler of Martaban, who had offered him an enormous bribe. He rejected the offer after his Portuguese officers threatened to report the matter to the Burmese king.
Death João Caeiro died in 1548, possibly in Pathein (Bassein). He left 13,000 to 14,000 pardaos (Indo-Portuguese silver coins), which were taken into Portuguese India's treasury, according to a report dated 24 December 1548 by Simão Botelho, the financial superintendent of Portuguese India.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Frequently asked questions
Who was João Caeiro?
Portuguese mercenary
When did João Caeiro die?
João Caeiro died in 1548 in Pathein.
What was João Caeiro's occupation?
João Caeiro was a military personnel.
What was João Caeiro known for?
João Caeiro was known for Battle of Martaban (1540–41).
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). João Caeiro. https://biography.guide/joao-caeiro/
MLA: "João Caeiro." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/joao-caeiro/.
Chicago: "João Caeiro." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/joao-caeiro/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:26 UTC