Manaus was founded in 1669 and declared a town (with the name Manaus, meaning Mother of the Gods) in 1832. It was subsequently transformed into a city on the 24th of October, 1848 and re-named Cidade da Barra do Rio Negro, only to be changed back to Manaus on September 4th, 1856.

Who founded Manaus?

Manaus had been founded as a fort built by Portuguese colonists, primarily to fend off attacks from Dutch invaders from the north, in what is now Suriname. The location was strategic, placed at the meeting of the Amazon's two main tributaries, offering fast access by ship over the deep river waters.

Why is Manaus called Manaus?

Its name come from a tribe called Manaós that lived in this area and means "Mother of God". The colonization started on 1669, with a small fort, and around it grew a settlement. In 1833 it became a village, with the name of Manaus.