Having established control over the ports and the pepper trade, Hasanuddin decided to build a new capital, to symbolise the new era which was beginning. On the advice of his father, Sunan Gunungjati, he choose to construct it on the coast at the mouth of the Cibanten River. That a settlement already existed at this place is evidence by its harbour activities, but at this time the seat of political power was in Banten Girang. The royal city was founded on the delta, formed by the two arms of the river. Two main streets running crossed north–south and east–west divided the city into quarters. The royal palace surrounded by residences of the principal minister of state, was built on the south side of the royal square and the great mosque on the west side. Foreigners, for the most part merchants, had to live outside the royal city, that is on either side of the delta. The international trade was accommodated in the larger western harbour where "Pecinan" (Chinatown), European trading post and foreigner quarters were located, while the eastern port accommodated domestic trade with smaller vessels, where the retail market was also located. A ship-wright to repair ships was located on the eastern side of the city. Hasanuddin tried to invade Pakuan multiple times during the reign of Ratu Dewata, however his efforts were failed due to the strong defense employed by the Sundanese army.