Finally, after the loss of several major commanders and numerous troops, the Dutch stormed the citadel, completely ending Portugal's control of the city.

[1] Historian ShawnaKim Lowey-Ball[2] has argued that Portugal's exploitation of the division between Hindus and Muslims led to Malacca's economic decline and loss of the status it once held under their rule.

Another issue caused by Portugal was the reformed government it introduced, which attempted to impose Catholicism, create a singular currency, and monopolise the spice trade.

[4] After years of intermittent conflict, the Dutch East India Company had amassed a force of 2,000 Europeans at Batavia by August 1639, with the intent of sending the troops to Malacca.

They also formed an alliance with the local ruler of Aceh, who readily offered to support their expedition, planned for November or December.

The previous commander, Cornelis Symonz van der Veer, had died since then, so Sergeant Major Adriaen Antonisz was sent in his place.

The Portuguese garrison consisted of 260 men, although the Dutch claimed that the best soldiers in the defence were the native and mixed-racial inhabitants, who numbered about 2,000–3,000 in total.

As the siege continued, the Dutch received more troops and supplies from Batavia, including sailors, soldiers, pigs, oranges, sugar, and more.

[4] According to a letter that reached Batavia in mid-November, famine was beginning to overtake the city, with defectors leaving it daily, while the siege remained strong.

Both allies struggled to traverse the area, as the swamp environment around the city required wading through waist-deep water, entirely impossible to cross at high tide.

Cooper died of plague on 3 January, about a month after the third commander in line, Pieter van den Broeke, who perished on 3 December.

Despite their losses, the Dutch did not lose faith, and on 5 January 1641, Minne Williemsz Caertekoe, their new commander, declared their council had decided that the next Wednesday would be reserved for fasting and prayer, in preparation to storm the citadel.

Contrary to a story circulated for centuries afterwards, there is no historical evidence that the Portuguese governor was paid by the Dutch to betray his people.