Mindoro Island was originally known to the ancients as "Ma-i". It was formally called "Mait", and known to the Chinese traders before the coming of the Spanish. Its existence was mentioned in the old Chinese chronicles in 775 A.D. and more elaborately in 1225. It was a major anchorage in the Southeast Asia trade route during the pre-Philippines period. Chinese, Arab and Indian merchants traded with the natives. In 1570, the Spanish began to explore the island and named it "Mina de Oro" ("mine of gold") after finding some of the precious metal, though no major gold discoveries were ever made.