>>15448267he center of this sultanate, according to the Portuguese historian João de Barros, was Banten, which was a major port in Southeast Asia rivaling Malacca and Makassar. The city of Banten was located in the middle of the bay, which is approximately three miles across. The city was 850 fathoms in length, while the seaside town was 400 fathoms in length. Through the middle of town was a clear river into which ships and gale junks could sail. A small tributary of the river extended to the edge of the town. Today the river is not as large, and only small boats can enter. A fortress close to the town had walls made of brick seven palms wide. Wooden defence buildings consisted of two levels armed with good weapons. The middle of the town square was used for military activities and folk art, and as a market in the morning. The king's palace was located on the south side of the square. Beside the building an elevated and flat-roofed building called Srimanganti, used by the king when meeting the people. To the west of the square was a great mosque, now known as the Great Mosque of Banten.
