Sa Huỳnh Culture Emerges in Vietnam
Year: -1000
Category: Society & Culture
c. 1000 BC: The Sa Huỳnh culture started in central and southern Vietnam.
Tags: Bronze Age, Iron Age, Archaeology, Early Societies
Founding of the Tagaung Kingdom
Year: -850
Category: Politics
Tagaung Kingdom is founded by Abhiyaza of the Sakya clan of the Buddha in 850 BCE, present-day northern Burma at the upper banks of the Irrawaddy river.
Tags: Kingdom, Burma, Political Formation, Early Dynasties
Iron Smelting and Trade in Sungai Batu, Old Kedah
Year: -788
Category: Economy & Trade
Sungai Batu in Old Kedah, Malaysia (formerly known as Kataha, Qalah, etc.) was a major trading center and industrial site, with large-scale iron smelting and export being a key economic activity. Archaeological excavations continue to reveal more about this ancient city.
Tags: Trade, Iron Age, Maritime Trade
Sa Huynh-Kalanay Trade Network Established
Year: -500
Category: Economy & Trade
Sa Huynh-Kalanay Interaction Sphere extensive trade network started between the Sa Huynh and the Philippines and later expanded to Taiwan, Southern Thailand, and northeastern Borneo.
Tags: Trade, Maritime Trade, Archaeology, Cultural Exchange
An Dương Vương's Overthrow of the Hồng Bàng Dynasty
Year: -258
Category: Politics
An Dương Vương overthrows the Hồng Bàng dynasty in Viet Nam.
Tags: Dynasty, Monarchy, Political Transition, Leadership, Founding
Thục Phán Establishes the Thục Dynasty in Vietnam
Year: -257
Category: Politics
Thục dynasty takes over Vietnam.
Tags: Dynasty, Political Transition, Kingdom Formation, Governance, Indochina
Qin Dynasty Unification of China
Year: -221
Category: Politics
With the conquest of the State of Qi, Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇) unifies the whole of China into one empire that also included northern Vietnam, forming the Qin dynasty.
Tags: Unification, Empire, Qin Dynasty, Qin Shi Huang, Political Consolidation, Imperialism
Zhao Tuo Conquers Âu Lạc
Year: -208
Category: Warfare & Military
Zhao Tuo (Triệu Đà) defeats the Vietnamese king An Dương Vương.
Tags: Warfare, Military Conflict, Conquest, Territorial Expansion
Triệu Đà Establishes the Triệu Dynasty in Vietnam
Year: -207
Category: Politics
Triệu dynasty of Viet Nam is inaugurated.
Tags: Dynasty, Chinese History, Political Formation, Monarchy
Foundation of the Trieu Dynasty by Zhao Tuo
Year: -116
Category: Politics
Zhao Tuo, Chinese military commander who founded the Trieu dynasty
Tags: Dynasty, Imperialism, Political Formation, Ancient greece
Trung Sisters' Uprising Against Chinese Rule
Year: 39
Category: Warfare & Military
The Trung Sisters resist the Chinese influences in Vietnam.
Tags: Rebellion, Resistance, Female Leadership, Warfare, Han Dynasty, Independence Movements
Trưng Sisters Lead Vietnamese Rebellion Against Han Dynasty Rule
Year: 40
Category: Warfare & Military
The Vietnamese Trưng Sisters rebel against the rule of the Chinese Emperor Guang Wu of Han.
Tags: Han Dynasty, Rebellion, Resistance, Warfare, Women in History
Ma Yuan Suppresses Trưng Sisters' Rebellion
Year: 42
Category: Warfare & Military
The Chinese General Ma Yuan represses the rebellions of the Trưng Sisters in Tonkin.
Tags: Rebellion, Military Conflict, Han Dynasty, Imperialism, Ma Yuan
Trung Sisters' Suicide Following Defeat in Nam Viet
Year: 43
Category: Warfare & Military
The warrior Trung Sisters commit suicide after their resistance is defeated at Nam Viet.
Tags: Rebellion, Resistance, Women in History, Military Defeat, Warfare, Han Dynasty
Vietnam Annexed as a Province of China
Year: 43
Category: Politics
Vietnam is designated a province of China.
Tags: Imperialism, Annexation, Han Dynasty, Political Control, Territorial Expansion
Trưng Sisters Lead Vietnamese Resistance Against Han Dynasty
Year: 49
Category: Warfare & Military
Trưng Sisters, Vietnamese military leaders (approximate date)
Tags: Han Dynasty, Resistance, Military, Rebellion, Imperialism
Establishment of the Kingdom of Funan
Year: 68
Category: Politics
Kingdom of Funan is established in the Mekong Delta comprising present-day Cambodia, Southern Vietnam, Southern Thailand and Eastern Thailand, the first known civilization in Southeast Asia. The capital city is Vyadhapura or modern-day Ba Phnum District in Cambodia.
Tags: Kingdom, Political Formation, Civilization, Dynasty, Early States, Governance
Sanskrit and Pallawa Script Introduced to Java
Year: 78
Category: Society & Culture
Indian Prince Aji Caka introduces the Sanskrit language and Pallawa script, used to inscribe Javanese words and phrases, to the Indonesian islands.
Tags: Language, Writing Systems, Sanskrit, Cultural Exchange
Establishment of the Saka Era
Year: 78
Category: Religion
This is the base year (year zero) of the Saka era used by some Hindu calendars, the Indian national calendar, and the Cambodian Buddhist calendar. It begins near the vernal equinox for the civil solar calendar, but begins opposite the star Spica for the traditional solar calendar.
Tags: Calendar, Hinduism, Buddhism, Timekeeping, Cambodia, Astronomy
Diplomatic Relations Established Between Java and China
Year: 132
Category: Politics
Chinese chronicles described the existence of diplomatic relations between Java and China.
Tags: Diplomacy, International Relations, Trade, Political History
Kutai Kingdom Produces Earliest Known Indonesian Stone Inscriptions
Year: 350
Category: Society & Culture
The Kutai Martadipura kingdom in eastern Borneo produced the earliest known stone inscriptions in Indonesia known as the Mulavarman inscription written in the Sanskrit language using Pallava scripture.
Tags: Inscriptions, Sanskrit, Language, Writing, Monarchy
Purnavarman's Edicts Recorded in Stone Inscriptions
Year: 450
Category: Politics
Several stone inscriptions are made witness to edicts from West Java. Amongst others, the Tugu inscription announces decrees of Purnavarman, the King of Tarumanagara, one of the earliest Hindu kingdoms of Java. (up until the year 669)
Tags: Inscriptions, Political History
Chinese Annals Mention Buddhist Kingdom of Kanto Lim
Year: 502
Category: Religion
Chinese annals mentioned the existence of the Buddhist Kingdom, Kanto Lim in South Sumatra, presumably in the neighborhood of present-day Palembang.
Tags: Buddhism, Sumatra, Religious History, Monarchy, Cultural Exchange
Funan Kingdom's Dissolution
Year: 550
Category: Politics
Kingdom of Funan dies out.
Tags: Kingdom, Political Transition, Decline, Civilization
China Begins Third Domination of Vietnam
Year: 602
Category: Politics
The Third Chinese domination of Vietnam starts following the collapse of the Early Lý dynasty.
Tags: Imperialism, Dynasties, Warfare, Political Control
Chenla Annexes Funan
Year: 618
Category: Politics
The Chenla kingdom completely absorbed Funan.
Tags: Monarchy, Political Expansion, Empire Building
I-tsing's Mention of the Holing Kingdom
Year: 664
Category: Society & Culture
A Tang dynasty Chinese source written by I-tsing, mentioned about Holing (Kalingga) kingdom, located somewhere in the northern coast of Central Java.
Tags: Tang Dynasty, Chinese Literature, Cultural Exchange, Historical Records
I-tsing's Journey Through Southeast Asia
Year: 671
Category: Religion
I-tsing visited Srivijaya and Malayu in Sumatra and Kedah in Malay peninsula on his way to Nalanda, India.
Tags: Buddhism, Pilgrimage, Srivijaya, Cultural Exchange
Srivijaya's Expansion: Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa's Siddhayatra
Year: 683
Category: Politics
Dapunta Hyang Sri Jayanasa performed Siddhayatra as the journey to expand his influence. The event mentioned in several inscriptions such as Telaga Batu inscription, Talang Tuo inscription and Kedukan Bukit inscription. The beginning of Srivijaya hegemony over the maritime region around Malacca Strait and Sunda Strait.
Tags: Srivijaya Empire, Maritime History, Political Expansion, Trade
Srivijayan Naval Invasion of Java
Year: 686
Category: Warfare & Military
Srivijaya launch a naval invasion of Java, which is mentioned in Kota Kapur inscription. This likely contributed to the end of Tarumanagara kingdom.
Tags: Srivijaya, Naval Warfare, Invasion, Military Conflict, Political Instability
Srivijaya Captures the Kingdom of Malayu
Year: 687
Category: Warfare & Military
I-tsing returned to Srivijaya in on his way back from India to China. In his record he reported that the Kingdom of Malayu was captured by Srivijaya.
Tags: Srivijaya Empire, Warfare, Expansion, Political Conflict
Srivijaya Naval Kingdom: Flourishing and Decline Begins
Year: 700
Category: Politics
The Sumatra-based Srivijaya naval kingdom flourishes and declines.
Tags: Maritime History, Monarchy, Naval Power, Trade, Political History, Srivijaya
Sanjaya Becomes King of Mataram
Year: 716
Category: Politics
Sanjaya ascends the throne to be the first king of the Mataram Kingdom.
Tags: Monarchy, Political History, Mataram Kingdom, Rulers
Srivijaya King's Letter to Umayyad Caliph
Year: 718
Category: Politics
Sri Indravarman King of Srivijaya send a letter to the Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz of the Umayyad Caliphate in Damascus, signing early ancient Indonesian official contact with Islamic world in the Middle East.
Tags: Diplomacy, Islam, Srivijaya, Umayyad Caliphate
Sanjaya Dynasty Founded (Canggal Inscription)
Year: 732
Category: Politics
The Sanjaya dynasty is founded around this time according to the Canggal inscription.
Tags: Monarchy
Jian Zhen Describes International Trade in Guangzhou
Year: 748
Category: Economy & Trade
The Chinese Buddhist monk Jian Zhen writes in his Yue Jue Shu of the international sea traffic coming to Guangzhou, ships from Borneo, Persia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and others bringing tons of goods.
Tags: Trade, Maritime Trade, Silk Road, Tang Dynasty, Guangzhou, Buddhism, International Relations, Cultural Exchange
Mataram Kingdom Flourishes
Year: 752
Category: Politics
The Hindu Mataram kingdom flourishes and declines. (to 1045)
Tags: Kingdom, Political History, Hinduism, Mataram
Construction of Borobudur Begins
Year: 760
Category: Religion
The construction of the famous Indonesian Buddhist structure Borobudur began, probably as a non-Buddhist shrine.
Tags: Buddhism, Religious Architecture, Temple, Sailendra Dynasty, Religious Conversion, Monument
Construction of the Kalasan Temple
Year: 778
Category: Religion
Kalasan temple constructed, according to the Kalasan inscription.
Tags: Buddhism, Temple, Architecture, Religious Structures, Mataram Kingdom, Religious Art
Sewu Temple Completion
Year: 792
Category: Religion
The Manjusrigrha (Sewu) temple is completed according to Manjusrigrha inscription.
Tags: Buddhism, Temple, Architecture, Religious Art, Mataram Kingdom, Monument, Cultural Heritage
Sailendra Kingdom's Flourishing and Decline
Year: 800
Category: Religion
The agriculturally based Buddhist Sailendra kingdom flourishes and declines. (to 832)
Tags: Buddhism, Sailendra Dynasty, Kingdom, Agriculture, Religious Influence, Decline
Jayavarman II Founds the Khmer Empire
Year: 802
Category: Politics
Jayavarman II of the Khmer people in Cambodia founds the Khmer empire and establishes the Angkorian dynasty.
Tags: Dynasty, Kingdom, Governance, Empire Building
Prambanan Temple Complex Completed and Balaputra Defeated
Year: 856
Category: Religion
Prambanan is completed. According to the Shivagrha inscription, Rakai Pikatan — the husband of Pramodhawardhani — defeated Balaputra.
Tags: Hinduism, Temple, Architecture, Sailendra Dynasty, Mataram Kingdom, Inscriptions
Srivijayan King Constructs Buddhist Temple and Monastery at Nalanda
Year: 860
Category: Religion
Balaputra, the maharaja of Suvarnadvipa and the ruler of Srivijaya, constructs the Buddhist temple and monastery in Nalanda India, on the land given by King Devapaladeva. of Pala in Benggala, according to the Nalanda inscription.
Tags: Buddhism, Religion, Srivijaya, Monastery, Patronage
Laguna Copperplate Inscription: Earliest Known Written Record in the Philippines
Year: 900
Category: Society & Culture
The oldest text discovered in the Philippines—an acquittance document in Old Javanese—is inscribed on a copperplate in Luzon. The acquittance took place on 21 April 900 and involved several aristocrats and high-ranking officials from kingdoms within the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, and Java. The document is currently called the Laguna copperplate inscription.
Tags: Writing Systems, Cultural Heritage, Trade, Old Javanese
King Balitung's Religious and Infrastructural Projects in Mataram
Year: 907
Category: Religion
King Balitung creates the Mantyasih inscription containing the list of Mataram kings, moves the capital from Mamratipura to Poh Pitu, and expands Prambanan temple.
Tags: Hinduism, Mataram Kingdom, Inscriptions
Warmadewa Dynasty Established in Bali
Year: 914
Category: Politics
The Warmadewa dynasty rules Bali.
Tags: Dynasty, Kingdom, Political History, Middle Ages, Governance
Mataram Kingdom's Capital Shift and Isyana Dynasty's Establishment
Year: 929
Category: Politics
Mpu Sindok moves the seat of power of the Mataram Kingdom from Kewu Plain in Central Java to Tamwlang in East Java and establishes Isyana dynasty. The shift is probably as a result of the eruption of Mount Merapi and/or invasion from Srivijaya.
Tags: Monarchy, Dynasties, Mataram Kingdom, Political Transition, Volcanic Eruption, Srivijaya
Mpu Sindok Relocates Capital to Watugaluh
Year: 937
Category: Politics
Mpu Sindok moves the capital again from Tamwlang to Watugaluh, both near bank of Brantas River in modern Jombang in East Java.
Tags: Monarchy, Political Leadership
Song Dynasty Regulates South Seas Trade with Ma-i
Year: 971
Category: Economy & Trade
Song dynasty recorded the ancient sovereign state of Ma-i on the list of states conducting trade in the south seas and the government's efforts to regulate and tax this "luxurious" trade.
Tags: Song Dynasty, Trade, Taxation, Maritime Trade, Economic History, Luxury Goods
Marriage Unites Isyana and Warmadewa Dynasties
Year: 980
Category: Politics
Dynastic marriage between princess Mahendradatta of Javanese Isyanas and king Udayana of Balinese Warmadewas.
Tags: Dynastic Marriage, Political Alliance, Monarchy
King Dharmawangsa's Naval Invasion of Srivijaya
Year: 990
Category: Warfare & Military
King Dharmawangsa of Mataram kingdom launches a naval invasion on Palembang in an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Srivijaya. (to 1006)
Tags: Maritime History, Military Conflict, Middle Ages, Kingdom of Mataram, Srivijaya Empire, Naval Warfare, Political Intrigue
Birth of Airlangga, Prince of Bali
Year: 990
Category: Politics
Airlangga, son of King Udayana and Queen Mahendradatta was born in Bali.
Tags: Middle Ages, Monarchy, Succession
Butuan Kingdom's Tributary Mission to Song Dynasty China
Year: 1001
Category: Politics
The ancient kingdom of Butuan, through its King, Rajah Kiling, made contact with the Chinese, Song dynasty recorded the first appearance of Butuan tributary mission through Lijehan and Jiaminan at the Chinese Imperial Court on March 17, 1001 AD.
Tags: Diplomacy, Tributary System, Song Dynasty, Butuan, Trade, Middle Ages
Song Dynasty Bans Butuan Exports Due to Regulatory Issues
Year: 1004
Category: Economy & Trade
Song dynasty court prohibited Butuan from exporting several items with their predilection due to issues on rules and regulation.
Tags: Song Dynasty, Butuan, Maritime Trade, Economic Policy
King Wurawari's Invasion and the Fall of Mataram
Year: 1006
Category: Warfare & Military
King Dharmawangsa's Mataram kingdom falls under the invasion of King Wurawari from Lwaram (highly possible Srivijayan ally in Java).
Tags: Middle Ages, Monarchy, Warfare, Military Conflict, Srivijaya, Mataram, Invasion, Political Instability
Butuan's Diplomatic Demarche to Song Dynasty Rejected
Year: 1007
Category: Politics
Butuan king, Rajah Kiling through the ambassador I-hsu-han sent a formal memorial on Song dynasty Imperial court requesting equal status with Champa but the request was denied on the grounds that "Butuan is beneath Champa." due to Champa being an older tributary state since the 4th century.
Tags: Diplomacy, Song Dynasty, Tributary System, Political Relations, Butuan, Champa, Royal Court
Lý Thái Tổ Establishes the Lý Dynasty
Year: 1009
Category: Politics
Lý Thái Tổ overthrows the Anterior Lê dynasty of Vietnam, establishing the Lý dynasty.
Tags: Dynasty, Monarchy, Succession
Butuan Achieves Diplomatic Equality with Champa
Year: 1011
Category: Politics
Under a new Rajah named Sri Bata Shaja, Butuan finally succeeded in attaining diplomatic equality with Champa after being denied in an older request made 4 years earlier to the Song dynasty court by sending the flamboyant ambassador Likanhsieh.
Tags: Diplomacy, Butuan, Champa, Song Dynasty, Trade, Political Relations
Airlangga Founds the Kingdom of Kahuripan
Year: 1019
Category: Politics
Airlangga establishes the Kingdom of Kahuripan.
Tags: Kingdom, Political Formation, Monarchy, Hinduism, Middle Ages
Chola Dynasty Conquest of Srivijaya
Year: 1025
Category: Warfare & Military
the Chola dynasty of India uses its naval powers to conquer the South East Asian kingdom of Srivijaya, turning it into a vassal.
Tags: Chola Dynasty, Srivijaya, Naval Warfare, Indian Ocean, Medieval India, Empire Building, Military Expansion, Trade Routes, Maritime History
Chola Empire Conquers Pannai and Kadaram, Raids Srivijayan Empire
Year: 1025
Category: Warfare & Military
Rajendra Chola, the Chola king from Cholamandala in South India, conquers Pannai and Kadaram from Srivijaya and occupies it for some time. The Cholas continue a series of raids and conquests of parts Srivijayan empire in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula.
Tags: Chola Dynasty, Srivijaya Empire, Naval Warfare, Indian Ocean, Conquest, Maritime Trade
Srivijayan Diplomatic Mission to Song China
Year: 1028
Category: Politics
the King of Srivijaya appeals to the Song dynasty Chinese, sending a diplomatic mission to their capital at Kaifeng.
Tags: Diplomacy, Song Dynasty, Srivijaya, Political Relations, Tribute System, Trade
Sanghyang Tapak Inscription Establishes Sacred Forest and Mentions Sunda Kingdom
Year: 1030
Category: Religion
Sanghyang Tapak inscription in the Cicatih River bank in Cibadak, Sukabumi, West Java, mentioned about the establishment of sacred forest and Kingdom of Sunda. (to 1579)
Tags: Middle Ages, Hinduism
Airlangga Splits Kahuripan into Janggala and Kadiri
Year: 1041
Category: Politics
Airlangga divides Kahuripan into two kingdoms Janggala and Kadiri and abdicates in favour of his successors.
Tags: Monarchy, Succession, Political Division
Anawrahta's Conquest of Thaton
Year: 1057
Category: Warfare & Military
Anawrahta, ruler of the Pagan Kingdom, defeated the Mon city of Thaton, thus unifying all of Myanmar.
Tags: Conquest, Unification, Monarchy, Warfare, Territorial Expansion
Chola Dynasty Launches Military Raids in Southeast Asia
Year: 1068
Category: Warfare & Military
Virarajendra Chola begins sending military raids into Malaysia and Indonesia.
Tags: Chola Dynasty, Military Expansion, Naval Power, Tamil Nadu, Warfare, Middle Ages, Maritime History, Indian Ocean, Raid
Song-Lý War: Border Conflict and Territory Exchange
Year: 1075
Category: Warfare & Military
In 1077, the Lý dynasty of Vietnam and the Song dynasty of China fought a border war, with both sides exchanging captured territories in 1082 and later agreeing on a border.
Tags: Warfare, Border Dispute, Song Dynasty, Military History
Song Dynasty's Failed Invasion of Đại Việt with Allies
Year: 1076
Category: Warfare & Military
the Song Chinese allies with southern Vietnamese Champa and Cambodian Chenla to conquer the Lý dynasty, which is an unsuccessful campaign.
Tags: Warfare, Military History, Song Dynasty, Champa, Invasion, Military Alliance
King Jayawarsa Ascends to the Throne of Kadiri
Year: 1104
Category: Politics
King Jayawarsa of Kadiri (on Java) ascends to the throne.
Tags: Monarchy, Dynasty, Middle Ages, Succession
Suryavarman II Ascends to the Khmer Throne
Year: 1113
Category: Politics
Paramavishnulok is crowned as King Suryavarman II in Cambodia. He expands the Khmer Empire and builds Angkor Wat during the first half of the century. He establishes diplomatic relations with China.
Tags: Monarchy, Expansionism, Diplomacy
King Kamesvara Ascends to the Throne of Kadiri, Janggala Annexed
Year: 1115
Category: Politics
In Java, King Kamesvara of Kadiri ascends to the throne. Janggala ceases to exist and comes under Kadiri domination, highly possible under royal marriage. During his reign, Mpu Dharmaja writes Kakawin Smaradahana, a eulogy for the king which become the inspiration for the Panji cycle tales, which spread across Southeast Asia.
Tags: Succession, Political Consolidation
King Jayabaya Ascends the Throne of Kadiri
Year: 1135
Category: Politics
King Jayabaya of Kadiri ascends to the throne.
Tags: Monarchy, Political Leadership, Middle Ages, Javanese History
Sinhalese Raids on Burma Due to Disputes
Year: 1165
Category: Warfare & Military
1182: Tensions and disputes between the Pagan Empire and the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa causes the Sinhalese under Parakramabahu the Great to raid Burma.
Tags: Warfare, Military History, Sinhalese, Parakramabahu I, Raids, Political Tensions
Parakramabahu's Invasion of Burma
Year: 1181
Category: Warfare & Military
Parakramabahu the Great conducts a large-scale raid on Burma, after a ship transporting a Sinhalese princess to the Khmer Empire is attacked by Burmese naval fleets.
Tags: Middle Ages, Military History, Sri Lankan History, Naval Warfare, Raid, Diplomacy, Parakramabahu I
Theravada Buddhist Reformations Continued in Pagan Burma
Year: 1182
Category: Religion
Religious reformations of Theravada Buddhism in Pagan Burma under the patronage of Narapatisithu are continued with the end of the Polonnaruwa-Pagan War.
Tags: Buddhism, Religious Reformation, Burma, Warfare, Monasticism
Trần Dynasty Founded in Vietnam
Year: 1225
Category: Politics
Trần dynasty of Vietnam was established by Emperor Trần Thái Tông ascended to the throne after his uncle Trần Thủ Độ orchestrated the overthrow of the Lý dynasty.
Tags: Dynasty, Political Transition, Emperor, Royal Court, Governance
Ken Arok's Victory at Ganter and the Fall of Kediri
Year: 1233
Category: Warfare & Military
Battle of Ganter, Ken Arok defeated Kertajaya, the last king of Kediri, thus established Singhasari kingdom Ken Arok ended the reign of Isyana Dynasty and started his own Rajasa dynasty.
Tags: Monarchy, Warfare, Political Transition, Dynastic Change, Singhasari
Sukhothai Kingdom Established as New Political Entity
Year: 1238
Category: Politics
Sukhothai becomes the first capital of Sukhothai Kingdom.
Tags: Monarchy, Political Formation, Thai History, Early Dynasties
Establishment of the Sultanate of Ternate
Year: 1257
Category: Politics
Baab Mashur Malamo established the Sultanate of Ternate in Maluku.
Tags: Sultanate, Political Formation, Maluku Islands, Middle Ages, Monarchy
Singhasari's Pamalayu Expedition Against Melayu
Year: 1275
Category: Warfare & Military
King Kertanegara of Singhasari launched Pamalayu expedition against Melayu Kingdom in Sumatra (ended in 1292).
Tags: Singhasari, Military Expedition, Imperialism, Political Conflict, Sumatra
Singhasari Annexation of Bali
Year: 1284
Category: Warfare & Military
King Kertanegara launches the Pabali expedition to Bali, integrating Bali into the Singhasari territory.
Tags: Military Campaign, Territorial Expansion, Middle Ages, Warfare, Political Integration
Kertanegara's Insult to Yuan Dynasty Envoys
Year: 1289
Category: Politics
Kertanegara insulted the envoy of Kublai Khan, who demanded that Java pay tribute to the Yuan Dynasty.
Tags: Diplomacy, Yuan Dynasty, Majapahit Empire, Imperialism, Sovereignty
Jayakatwang's Rebellion and the Fall of Singhasari
Year: 1292
Category: Warfare & Military
Jayakatwang, duke of Kediri, rebels and kills Kertanegara, ending the Singhasari kingdom.
Tags: Javanese History, Monarchy, Rebellion, Military Conflict, Political Instability
Marco Polo Reports on Sumatran Trading Ports
Year: 1292
Category: Economy & Trade
Marco Polo, on his voyage from China to Persia, visits Sumatra and reports that, on the northern part of Sumatra, there were six trading ports, including Ferlec, Samudera and Lambri.
Tags: Trade, Maritime Trade, Exploration, Silk Road, Sumatra, Voyages of Discovery
King Mangrai Establishes the Lanna Kingdom
Year: 1292
Category: Politics
King Mangrai founds the Lanna kingdom.
Tags: Kingdom, Political Formation, Monarchy, Thai History, Middle Ages, Regional Power
Mongol Repulsion in Java
Year: 1293
Category: Warfare & Military
Mongol invasion of Java. Kublai Khan of Yuan dynasty China, sends punitive attack against Kertanegara of Singhasari, who repels the Mongol forces.
Tags: Mongol Empire, Yuan Dynasty, Military Conflict, Expansionism, Singhasari, Warfare
Nararya Sangramawijaya Crowned, Founding Majapahit Kingdom
Year: 1293
Category: Politics
On 10 November, the coronation of Nararya Sangramawijaya as monarch, marks the foundation of the Hindu Majapahit kingdom in eastern Java.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Hinduism, Kingdom, Monarchy, Political Formation, Javanese History
Islam's Early Presence in Aceh
Year: 1300
Category: Religion
Islam is likely established in the Aceh region.
Tags: Islam, Religious Conversion, Spread of Religion, Trade
Founding of the Kingdom of Kutai Kartanegara
Year: 1300
Category: Politics
Aji Batara Agung Dewa Sakti founds the Kingdom of Kutai Kartanegara/Sultanate of Kutai in the Tepian Batu or Kutai Lama.
Tags: Kingdom, Sultanate, Political Formation, Monarchy
Sri Lumay Establishes Rajahnate of Cebu
Year: 1300
Category: Politics
Sri Rajahmura Lumaya, known in his shortened name Sri Lumay, a half-Tamil and half Malay minor prince of the Chola dynasty in Sumatra established the Indianized Rajahnate of Cebu in Cebu Island on the Philippine Archipelago.
Tags: Kingdom, Chola Dynasty, Pre-colonial Philippines, Political Formation
Jayanegara Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1309
Category: Politics
King Jayanegara succeeds Kertarajasa Jayawardhana as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit, Monarchy, Succession, Middle Ages, Dynasty
Franciscan Friar's Voyage and Description of Majapahit
Year: 1318
Category: Society & Culture
1330: An Italian Franciscan friar, Mattiussi, visited Sumatra, Java, and Banjarmasin in Borneo. In his record he described the kingdom of Majapahit.
Tags: Exploration, Middle Ages, Religious Orders, Majapahit, Cultural Exchange, Travel Literature
Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1328
Category: Politics
Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi succeeds Jayanegara as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Javanese History, Monarchy, Succession, Political Leadership
Wang Dayuan's Voyages to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East
Year: 1328
Category: Economy & Trade
1333: Wang Dayuan, a traveller from Quanzhou, China during the Yuan dynasty, visited Luzon & Mindanao in the Philippines, many places in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka and India, and reached Dhofar and Aden.
Tags: Exploration, Trade, Travel, Yuan Dynasty, Maritime History, Indian Ocean
Adityawarman Establishes Malayupura in Pagarruyung
Year: 1347
Category: Politics
Adityawarman moved the capital of Dharmasraya and established the kingdom of Malayupura in Pagarruyung, West Sumatra.
Tags: Sumatra, Kingdom, Political Transition, Monarchy
Founding of the Ayutthaya Kingdom
Year: 1350
Category: Politics
Ramathibodi I establishes the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Tags: Monarchy, Political History, State Formation, Thai History, Ayutthaya
Hayam Wuruk Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1350
Category: Politics
Hayam Wuruk, styled Sri Rajasanagara, succeeds Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi as ruler of Majapahit; his reign is considered the empire's 'Golden Age'. Under its military commander Gajah Mada, Majapahit stretches over much of modern-day Indonesia.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Golden Age, Kings and Rulers, Dynasties, Political History
Massacre of the Sundanese Royal Family at Bubat
Year: 1357
Category: Warfare & Military
In the Battle of Bubat, the Sundanese royal family is massacred by the Majapahit army by the order of Gajah Mada; the death toll includes Sundanese king Lingga Buana and princess Dyah Pitaloka Citraresmi, who committed suicide.
Tags: Warfare, Majapahit Empire, Political Intrigue, Conflict
Majapahit Punitive Expedition Against Palembang
Year: 1377
Category: Warfare & Military
Majapahit sends a punitive expedition against Palembang in Sumatra. Palembang's prince, Parameswara (later Iskandar Syah) flees, eventually finding his way to Malacca and establishing it as a major international port.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Sumatra, Military Conflict, Maritime History, Trade
Wikramawardhana Ascends to the Majapahit Throne
Year: 1389
Category: Politics
Wikramawardhana succeeds Sri Rajasanagara as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Dynastic Succession, Monarchy, Middle Ages
Founding of the Sultanate of Malacca
Year: 1402
Category: Politics
Sultanate of Malacca founded by Parameswara.
Tags: Sultanate, Malacca, Political Formation, Trade, Maritime History
Regreg War Begins in Majapahit Civil War
Year: 1404
Category: Warfare & Military
1406: Regreg War, Majapahit civil war of secession between Wikramawardhana against Wirabhumi.
Tags: Warfare, Civil War, Majapahit Empire, Dynastic Conflict, Military History
Establishment of the Sultanate of Sulu
Year: 1405
Category: Politics
The Sultanate of Sulu is established by Sharif ul-Hāshim.
Tags: Islam, Sultanate, Political Formation, Maritime History, Middle Ages, State Formation
Zheng He's Treasure Voyages Begin
Year: 1405
Category: Economy & Trade
1433: During the Ming treasure voyages, Admiral Zheng He of China sails through the Indian Ocean to Malacca, India, Ceylon, Persia, Arabia, and East Africa to spread China's influence and sovereignty. The first voyage, a massive Ming dynasty naval expedition ending in 1407, visited Java, Palembang, Malacca, Aru, Samudera and Lambri.
Tags: Ming Dynasty, Indian Ocean, Trade, Diplomacy, Imperialism, Silk Road
Sulu Kings' Tribute Mission to Ming China
Year: 1417
Category: Politics
A large goodwill mission led by three kings of Sulu, the Eastern King Paduka Pahala, the Western king Maharaja Kolamating and Cave king Paduka Prabhu as well as 340 members of their delegation, in what is now the southern Philippines, ploughed through the Pacific Ocean to China to pay tribute to the Yongle emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
Tags: Ming Dynasty, Tribute System, Diplomacy, Cultural Exchange
Sultan of Sulu's Death and Burial in China
Year: 1417
Category: Politics
The East king of Sulu, Paduka Pahala, on their way home, suddenly died in Dezhou, a city in east China's Shandong province. The Yongle Emperor Zhu Di commissioned artisans to build a tomb for the king.
Tags: Diplomacy, Ming Dynasty, Tribute System, Royal Death, International Relations
Suhita Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1429
Category: Politics
Queen Suhita succeeds her father Wikramawardhana as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit, Monarchy, Succession, Javanese History, Rulers, Governance
Rajah Lontok and Dayang Kalangitan Assume Co-Regency in Tondo
Year: 1430
Category: Politics
Rajah Lontok and Dayang Kalangitan become co-regent rulers of the ancient kingdom of Tondo.
Tags: Pre-colonial Philippines, Monarchy, Succession, Regional Power, Governance
Wijaya Parakrama Wardhana Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1447
Category: Politics
Wijaya Parakrama Wardhana, succeeds Suhita as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Javanese History, Monarchy, Succession
Dayang Kalangitan Ascends as Queen of Tondo, Ushering in Political Dominance
Year: 1450
Category: Politics
Dayang Kalangitan became the Queen regnant of the ancient kingdom of Tondo that started Tondo's political dominance over Luzon.
Tags: Pre-colonial Philippines, Monarchy, Political Power, Succession
Rajasawardhana Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1451
Category: Politics
Rajasawardhana, born Bhre Pamotan, styled Brawijaya II succeeds Wijayaparakramawardhana as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit, Javanese History, Kings and Rulers, Dynastic Succession
Girishawardhana Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1456
Category: Politics
Girishawardhana, styled Brawijaya III, becomes ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Javanese History, Monarchy, Succession, Middle Ages
Singhawikramawardhana Ascends to the Throne of Majapahit
Year: 1466
Category: Politics
Singhawikramawardhana, succeeds Girishawardhana as ruler of Majapahit.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Javanese History, Monarchy, Succession, Political Leadership
Vietnamese Conquest of Champa
Year: 1471
Category: Warfare & Military
The kingdom of Champa suffers a massive defeat by the Vietnamese king Lê Thánh Tông.
Tags: Warfare, Military History, Champa, Monarchy, Conquest, Territorial Expansion
End of Singhawikramawardhana's Reign
Year: 1478
Category: Politics
Reign of Singhawikramawardhana ends.
Tags: Majapahit Empire, Monarchy, Succession, Middle Ages, Governance
Construction of the Great Mosque of Demak
Year: 1478
Category: Religion
The Great Mosque of Demak is the oldest mosque in Java, built by the Wali Songo during the reign of Sultan Raden Patah.
Tags: Islam, Sultanate, Religious Architecture
Islam's Dominance Established in Indonesian Archipelago
Year: 1500
Category: Religion
Islam becomes the dominant religion across the Indonesian archipelago.
Tags: Islam, Religion, Cultural Diffusion, Trade, Religious Conversion
Bolkiah Founds Selurong (Manila) to Consolidate Power
Year: 1500
Category: Politics
in an effort to increase his power. Bolkiah founded the city of Selurong—later named Maynila, on the other side of the Pasig River shortly after taking over Tondo from its monarch, Lakan Gambang.
Tags: Political Consolidation, City Founding, Colonialism, Power Struggles
Sultan Trenggono Founds Demak Sultanate in Java
Year: 1505
Category: Politics
Sultan Trenggono builds the first Muslim kingdom in Java, called Demak, in Indonesia. Many other small kingdoms were established in other islands to fight against Portuguese. Each kingdom introduced local language as a way of communication and unity.
Tags: Islam, Colonialism, Sultanate, Kingdom, Portuguese Empire, Political Formation
Portuguese Attempt to Capture Malacca Fails
Year: 1509
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese king sends Diogo Lopes de Sequeira to find Malacca, the eastern terminus of Asian trade. After initially receiving Sequeira, Sultan Mahmud Shah captures and/or kills several of his men and attempts an assault on the four Portuguese ships, which escape. The Javanese fleet is also destroyed in Malacca.
Tags: Portuguese Empire, Trade Routes, Exploration, Age of Exploration, Maritime Conflict, Colonialism, Trade, Naval Warfare
Portuguese Conquest of Malacca
Year: 1511
Category: Warfare & Military
Afonso de Albuquerque of Portugal conquers Malacca, the capital of the Sultanate of Malacca in present-day Malaysia.
Tags: Colonialism, Exploration, Trade, Age of Exploration, Portuguese Empire, Maritime Trade, Spice Trade, Afonso de Albuquerque, Conquest
Portuguese Expedition to the Spice Islands
Year: 1512
Category: Economy & Trade
The first Portuguese exploratory expedition was sent eastward from Malacca (in present-day Malaysia) to search for the 'Spice Islands' (Maluku) led by Francisco Serrão. Serrão is shipwrecked but struggles on to Hitu (northern Ambon) and wins the favour of the local rulers.
Tags: Exploration, Maritime History, Spice Trade, Portuguese Empire, Age of Exploration, Maluku Islands
Acehnese Sultanate's Expansion Begins with Capture of Daya
Year: 1520
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Ali Mughayat Shah of Aceh begins an expansionist campaign capturing Daya on the west Sumatran coast (in present-day Indonesia), and the pepper and gold producing lands on the east coast.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Sumatra, Expansionism, Military Campaign, Regional Power, Spice Trade
Portuguese Trading Post Established in Lamakera
Year: 1520
Category: Economy & Trade
The Portuguese established a trading post in the village of Lamakera on the eastern side of Solor (in present-day Indonesia) as a transit harbour between Maluku and Malacca.
Tags: Portuguese Empire, Spice Trade, Colonialism, Trade, Maluku Islands, Malacca, Trading Post
Magellan's Expedition Reaches Philippines; Magellan Killed in Battle of Mactan
Year: 1521
Category: Warfare & Military
Philippines encountered by Ferdinand Magellan. He was later killed in the Battle of Mactan in central Philippines in the same year.
Tags: Exploration, Colonialism, Battle, Age of Exploration, European Exploration, Spanish Empire, Maritime History, Warfare
Magellan Expedition's Cloves Trade with Maluku
Year: 1521
Category: Economy & Trade
November, Ferdinand Magellan's expedition reaches Maluku (in present-day Indonesia) and after trade with Ternate returns to Europe with a load of cloves.
Tags: Exploration, Spice Trade, Colonialism, Maritime History, Age of Exploration, Trade, Portuguese Empire, Maluku Islands
Pati Unus's Invasion of Malacca and Death
Year: 1521
Category: Warfare & Military
Pati Unus leads the invasion of Malacca (in present-day Malaysia) against the Portuguese occupation. Pati Unus was killed in this battle, and was succeeded by his brother, sultan Trenggana.
Tags: Colonialism, Warfare, Portuguese Empire, Naval Warfare, Military Conflict, Resistance, Trade
Portuguese Alliance with Ternate and Fort Construction
Year: 1522
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese ally themselves with the rulers of Ternate (in present-day Indonesia) and begin construction of a fort.
Tags: Colonialism, Trade, Military, Portuguese Empire, Spice Trade, Military Alliance, Fortification, Ternate, European Expansion
Portugal Granted Fortress Rights in Sunda Kelapa
Year: 1522
Category: Politics
August, Luso-Sundanese Treaty signed between Portugal and Sunda Kingdom granted Portuguese permit to build fortress in Sunda Kelapa.
Tags: Treaty, Colonialism, Trade, Fortification
Fall of Majapahit and Rise of Demak
Year: 1527
Category: Politics
The Majapahit Empire fell to Demak, with many fleeing to Bali while Demak, under Sultan Fatah, became the new center of power.
Tags: Majapahit, Sultanate, Majapahit Empire, Islamic Expansion, Political Transition, Succession
Portuguese Depose Sultan Tabariji of Ternate
Year: 1535
Category: Politics
The Portuguese in Ternate depose Sultan Tabariji (or Tabarija) and send him to Portuguese Goa where he converts to Christianity and bequeaths his Portuguese godfather Jordao de Freitas the island of Ambon. Hairun becomes the next sultan.
Tags: Colonialism, Portuguese Empire, Sultanate of Ternate, Conversion, Political Intrigue, Spice Trade, Trade, Religious Conversion
Villalobos Names the Philippines
Year: 1542
Category: Politics
Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos named the island of Samar and Leyte Las Islas Filipinas honoring Philip II of Spain and became the official name of the archipelago.
Tags: Exploration, Colonization, Spanish Empire, Philip II, Political Geography
Francis Xavier's Missionary Work in the Moluccas
Year: 1546
Category: Religion
Francis Xavier works among the peoples of Ambon, Ternate and Morotai (Moro) laying the foundations for a permanent mission. (to 1547)
Tags: Christianity, Colonialism, Catholicism, Missionary Work, Religious Conversion, Exploration
Arya Penangsang's Assassination of Sunan Prawoto
Year: 1549
Category: Warfare & Military
Arya Penangsang with the support of his teacher, Sunan Kudus, avenges the death of Raden Kikin by sending an envoy named Rangkud to kill Sunan Prawoto by Keris Kyai Satan Kober (in present-day Indonesia).
Tags: Javanese History, Power Struggle, Assassination, Sultanate, Religious Conflict, Political Intrigue
Sultan Hairun of Ternate Protests Portuguese Christianization Efforts, Leading to Hostilities
Year: 1559
Category: Religion
Sultan Hairun of Ternate (in present-day Indonesia) protests the Portuguese's Christianisation activities in his lands. Hostilities between Ternate and the Portuguese.
Tags: Colonialism, Religious Conflict, Portuguese Empire, Sultanate of Ternate, Islam, Christianity, Resistance
Portuguese Dominicans Begin Christianization in Java
Year: 1562
Category: Religion
Portuguese Dominican priests build a palm-trunk fortress which Javanese Muslims burned down the following year. The fort was rebuilt from more durable materials and the Dominicans commenced the Christianisation of the local population.
Tags: Christianity, Islam, Colonialism, Fortification, Religious Conflict, Catholicism, Religious Conversion, Portuguese Empire
Legazpi Establishes Spanish Settlement in Cebu
Year: 1565
Category: Politics
Miguel López de Legazpi establishes in Cebu the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines starting a period of Spanish colonization that would last over three hundred years.
Tags: Colonization, Spanish Empire, Settlement, Spanish Colonization, Colonialism, Age of Exploration, Political Expansion
Urdaneta's Discovery of the Transpacific Route
Year: 1565
Category: Economy & Trade
Spanish navigator Andres de Urdaneta discovers the maritime route from Asia to the Americas across the Pacific Ocean, also known as the tornaviaje.
Tags: Exploration, Navigation, Maritime, Trade, Trade Routes, Spanish Empire, Colonialism, Age of Exploration, Globalization
Hadiwijaya Orders Sutawijaya to Assassinate Arya Penangsang
Year: 1568
Category: Warfare & Military
Hadiwijaya sent his adopted son and son in-law Sutawijaya, who would later become the first ruler of the Mataram dynasty of Indonesia, to kill Arya Penangsang.
Tags: Sutawijaya, Mataram Sultanate, Assassination, Political Intrigue, Warfare, Succession
Ternate-Portugal Peace Treaty
Year: 1569
Category: Politics
Peace treaty signed by Sultan Hairun of Ternate and Governor Lopez De Mesquita of Portugal.
Tags: Treaty, Colonialism, Ternate, Spice Trade, Sultanate of Ternate, Portuguese Empire
Sultan Hairun of Ternate Assassinated by Portuguese
Year: 1570
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Hairun of Ternate (in present-day Indonesia) is killed by the Portuguese. Babullah becomes the next Sultan.
Tags: Colonialism, Portuguese Empire, Sultanate, Spice Trade, Sultanate of Ternate, Assassination, Warfare
Legazpi Establishes Manila as Capital of Spanish East Indies
Year: 1571
Category: Politics
Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi establishes Manila, Philippines as the capital of the Spanish East Indies.
Tags: Colonialism, Spanish Empire, East Indies, Manila, Conquest, Political Expansion, Globalization
Ternate Defeats Portuguese After Five-Year War
Year: 1575
Category: Warfare & Military
Following a five-year war, the Ternateans under Sultan Babullah defeated the Portuguese.
Tags: Colonialism, Warfare, Trade, Islam, Spice Trade, Portuguese Empire, Sultanate of Ternate, Military Conflict
Ki Ageng Pemanahan Establishes Palace in Kotagede
Year: 1577
Category: Politics
Ki Ageng Pemanahan built his palace in Pasargede or Kotagede.
Tags: Mataram Sultanate, Political Founding, Javanese History
Portuguese Shift Trading Focus to Ambon in Maluku
Year: 1578
Category: Economy & Trade
The Portuguese establish a fort on Tidore but the main centre for Portuguese activities in Maluku becomes Ambon.
Tags: Colonialism, Maluku Islands, Trade, Fortification, Portuguese Empire, Spice Trade, Moluccas, Trade Routes, Maritime History
Castilian Declaration of War Against Brunei
Year: 1578
Category: Warfare & Military
Governor-General Francisco de Sande officially declared war against Brunei in 1578, starting the Castilian War of 1578.
Tags: Colonialism, Brunei, Spanish Empire, Warfare, Military Conflict, Exploration
Drake in Maluku and Portuguese Presence Shifts
Year: 1579
Category: Politics
The British navigator Sir Francis Drake passes through Maluku and transit in Ternate on his circumnavigation of the world. The Portuguese establish a fort on Tidore but the main centre for Portuguese activities in Maluku becomes Ambon.
Tags: Exploration, Colonialism, Spice Trade, Age of Exploration, European Colonization, Maritime History, Portuguese Empire, Ternate, Ambon
Death of Burmese King Bayinnaung
Year: 1581
Category: Politics
Bayinnaung dies at the age of 65.
Tags: Burma, Monarchy, Burmese Empire, King, Political Leadership, Military Expansion, Succession
Death of Sultan Babullah of Ternate
Year: 1583
Category: Politics
Death of Sultan Babullah of Ternate.
Tags: Ternate, Sultanate, Moluccas, Colonialism, Political Leadership
Ki Ageng Pemanahan's Death and Sutawijaya's Ascension in Mataram
Year: 1584
Category: Politics
Ki Ageng Pemanahan died. Sultan Pajang raised Sutawijaya, son of Ki Ageng Pemanahan as the new ruler in Mataram, titled "Loring Ngabehi Market" (because of his home in the north of the market).
Tags: Mataram, Succession, Sultan, Javanese History, Mataram Sultanate, Political Power, Monarchy, Sutawijaya
Invading Troops' Disaster: Mount Merapi Eruption and the Mataram Sultanate
Year: 1587
Category: Warfare & Military
Troops that would invade Pajang Mataram Sultanate storm ravaged the eruption of Mount Merapi. Sutawijaya and his men survived.
Tags: Warfare, Mataram, Military History, Natural Disaster, Volcanic Eruption, Mataram Sultanate, Javanese History, Sutawijaya, Conflict
Sutawijaya Establishes Mataram Kingdom
Year: 1588
Category: Politics
Mataram into the kingdom with Sutawijaya as Sultan, titled "Senapati Ingalaga Sayidin Panatagama" means the warlord and cleric Manager Religious Life.
Tags: Sutawijaya, Monarchy, Sultanate, Mataram, Political Formation, Javanese History, Religious Authority
First Dutch Expedition Sails for the East Indies
Year: 1595
Category: Economy & Trade
First Dutch expedition to Indonesia sets sail for the East Indies with two hundred and forty-nine men and sixty-four cannons led by Cornelis de Houtman.
Tags: Exploration, Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Maritime, Trade, Spice Trade, Maritime History
De Houtman Expedition's Clashes in Java
Year: 1596
Category: Warfare & Military
June, de Houtman's expedition reaches Banten the main pepper port of West Java where they clash with both the Portuguese and Indonesians. It then sails east along the north coast of Java losing twelve crew to a Javanese attack at Sidayu and killing a local ruler in Madura.
Tags: Exploration, Colonialism, Trade, Conflict, European Exploration, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, Naval Warfare
Houtman's Spice Expedition Returns to Netherlands, Yielding Profit
Year: 1597
Category: Economy & Trade
Cornelis de Houtman's expedition returns to the Netherlands with enough spices to make a considerable profit.
Tags: Exploration, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Economics, European Exploration, Age of Discovery, Maritime Trade, Globalization
Portuguese Armada Suppresses Solorese Uprising
Year: 1598
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese require an armada of 90 ships to put down a Solorese uprising. (to 1599)
Tags: Colonialism, Rebellion, Military, Portuguese Empire, Military History, Naval Warfare
Dutch Fleets Depart for Indonesia, Generating Profits
Year: 1598
Category: Economy & Trade
More Dutch fleets leave for Indonesia and most are profitable.Edo period screen depicting the Battle of Sekigahara
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Trade, Exploration, Colonialism, Dutch Golden Age, Spice Trade, East Indies, Maritime Trade
Van Neck Expedition Returns with High Profit
Year: 1599
Category: Economy & Trade
The van Neck expedition returns to Europe. The expedition makes a 400 per cent profit. (to 1600)
Tags: Exploration, Trade, Dutch East India Company, Maritime History, Dutch Golden Age, Spice Trade, East India Company, Maritime Trade, Colonialism
Dutch Fleet Reaches the Spice Islands
Year: 1599
Category: Economy & Trade
March, Leaving Europe the previous year, a fleet of eight ships under Jacob van Neck was the first Dutch fleet to reach the ‘Spice Islands’ of Maluku.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Exploration, Spice Trade, Maritime History, Maluku Islands, Age of Exploration, Colonialism, Mercantilism
Portuguese Naval Victory in Ambon and Dutch-Hituese Alliance
Year: 1600
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese win a major naval battle in the bay of Ambon. Later in the year, the Dutch join forces with the local Hituese in an anti-Portuguese alliance, in return for which the Dutch would have the sole right to purchase spices from Hitu.
Tags: Colonialism, Naval Warfare, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, Portuguese Empire, Maritime History, Military Alliances
Panembahan Senopati's Death and Succession in Mataram
Year: 1601
Category: Politics
Panembahan Senopati, first king of Mataram, dies and passes rule to his son Panembahan Seda ing Krapyak.
Tags: Mataram Sultanate, Succession, Monarchy
Dutch East India Company Established
Year: 1602
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch East India Company (VOC) is established by merging competing Dutch trading companies. Its success contributes to the Dutch Golden Age.
Tags: Dutch Golden Age, Colonialism, Mercantilism, Globalization, East Indies, Trade, Monopoly, Spice Trade, VOC
Portuguese Expedition Reasserts Control in Malacca
Year: 1602
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese send a major (and last) expeditionary force from Malacca which succeeded in reimposing a degree of Portuguese control.
Tags: Portuguese Empire, Colonialism, Malacca, Military Expedition, Spice Trade, Maritime History, East Indies, Naval Power
British East India Company Establishes Trading Post in Bantam
Year: 1602
Category: Economy & Trade
June, British East India Company's first voyage, commanded by Sir James Lancaster, arrives in Aceh and sails on to Bantam where he is allowed to build trading post which becomes the centre of British trade in Indonesia until 1682.
Tags: British East India Company, Colonialism, Trade, Spice Trade, European Expansion
Acehnese Emissaries Visit the Dutch Republic
Year: 1602
Category: Politics
Two emissaries from the Aceh Sultanate visit the Dutch Republic.
Tags: Diplomacy, Trade, Sultanate, Dutch Republic, Colonialism
Dutch Establish Trading Post in Banten and Commence Privateering
Year: 1603
Category: Economy & Trade
First permanent Dutch trading post is established in Banten, West Java. First successful VOC privateering raid on a Portuguese ship.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Trade, Colonialism, Spice Trade, Maritime History
Second English East India Company Voyage Encounters VOC Hostility in Banda
Year: 1604
Category: Economy & Trade
A second English East India Company voyage commanded by Sir Henry Middleton reaches Ternate, Tidore, Ambon and Banda. Fierce VOC hostility is encountered in Banda thus beginning Anglo-Dutch competition for access to spices.
Tags: Spice Trade, East India Company, VOC, Colonialism, Maritime Trade, Exploration, Banda Islands
King of Gowa Converts to Islam
Year: 1605
Category: Religion
The King of Gowa, a Makassarese kingdom in South Sulawesi, converts to Islam.Tsar Michael I of Russia reigned 1613–1645
Tags: Islam, Conversion, Sultanate, Religion
VOC and Hitu Capture Portuguese Fort in Ambon
Year: 1605
Category: Warfare & Military
February, The VOC in alliance with Hitu prepare to attack a Portuguese fort in Ambon but the Portuguese surrender.
Tags: VOC, Portuguese Empire, Spice Trade, Ambon, Colonialism, Military History
Mataram's Control Established Over Demak
Year: 1605
Category: Politics
Panembahan Seda ing Krapyak of Mataram establishes control over Demak, former center of the Demak Sultanate.
Tags: Mataram Sultanate, Political Consolidation, Javanese History, Regional Power, Sultanate
Willem Janszoon Lands in Australia
Year: 1606
Category: Politics
Willem Janszoon captained the first recorded European landing on the Australian continent, sailing from Bantam, Java, in the Duyfken.
Tags: Age of Discovery, Exploration, Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Maritime History
Dutch East India Company and Johor Sultanate Fail to Capture Portuguese Malacca
Year: 1606
Category: Warfare & Military
The Dutch East India Company enters into an alliance with the Johor Sultanate to attack Portuguese Malacca, but they are repelled.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Portuguese Empire, Malacca, Military Conflict
Spanish Occupation of Ternate and Tidore
Year: 1606
Category: Warfare & Military
A Spanish fleet occupies Ternate and Tidore in Maluku.
Tags: Colonialism, Spice Trade, Spanish Empire, Military Occupation, Maluku Islands, Territorial Expansion, Warfare
Iskandar Muda Ascends to Throne, Aceh's Expansion Begins
Year: 1607
Category: Warfare & Military
Iskandar Muda becomes the Sultan of Aceh for 30 years. He will launch a series of naval conquests that will transform Aceh into a great power in the western Malay Archipelago.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Sultan Iskandar Muda, Naval Warfare, Military Expansion, Monarchy
Dutch East India Company Establishes Trading Post in Ayutthaya
Year: 1608
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch East India Company establishes a settlement in Siamese Ayutthaya.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Ayutthaya, Trade, Colonialism, Globalization, Mercantilism, Spice Trade, East Indies
Dutch East India Company Establishes Factory in Hirado and Expands Trade
Year: 1609
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch East India Company establishes a factory in Hirado, Japan. VOC traders also make forays into South Sulawesi and Banjarmasin, Borneo.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Trade, Mercantilism
VOC Establishes Governor-General in Asia
Year: 1610
Category: Economy & Trade
The VOC appoints Pieter Both as its first Governor-General to enable firmer control of their affairs in Asia. Previously all business had (in theory) required the approval of the Heeren XVII, a group of seventeen shareholders in Amsterdam.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, VOC, Colonialism, Trade, Globalization, Mercantilism
Mataram's Siege of Surabaya
Year: 1610
Category: Warfare & Military
Panembahan Seda ing Krapyak of Mataram in Central Java attacks Surabaya, a major power on the north coast.
Tags: Military History, Mataram Sultanate, Siege, Warfare, Regional Conflict
University of Santo Tomas Founded in Manila
Year: 1611
Category: Society & Culture
The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, the oldest existing university in Asia, is established by the Dominican Order in Manila
Tags: Education, Universities, Manila, Higher Education, Society
English Trading Posts Challenge Dutch East Indies Trade Monopoly
Year: 1611
Category: Economy & Trade
The English establish trading posts at Sukadana (southwest Kalimantan), Makassar, Jayakarta and Jepara in Java, and Aceh, Pariaman and Jambi in (Sumatra) threatening Dutch ambitions for a monopoly on East Indies trade.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, British East India Company, Trade, Colonialism, Spice Trade, Competition, Maritime History, Mercantilism
Gowa Halts Major Islamization Push in South Sulawesi
Year: 1611
Category: Religion
The Kingdom of Gowa ends its major push to convert the Makassarese and Bugis in South Sulawesi to Islam.
Tags: Islam, Religious Conversion, Religious Conflict
Dutch East India Company Establishes Trading Post at Jayakarta
Year: 1611
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch establish a post at Jayakarta (later 'Batavia' and then 'Jakarta').
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Trade, Spice Trade, Batavia, VOC
Dutch Sack Banjarmasin After Trader's Death
Year: 1611
Category: Warfare & Military
A Dutch trader is killed in Banjarmasin and the Dutch East India Trading Company sacks the city.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Trade, Military Conflict, Violence, Spice Trade
Aceh's Conquest of Deli
Year: 1612
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Iskandar Muda of Aceh captures the North Sumatran port of Deli.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Military Campaign, Colonial Era, Sultan Iskandar Muda, Sumatra, Regional Power, Maritime Power
Dutch East India Company Relocates Trading Post to Jepara
Year: 1613
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch East India Company is forced to evacuate Gresik due to the Mataram siege in neighboring Surabaya. The dutch negotiates with Mataram and is allowed to set up a trading post in Jepara.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, VOC, Trade, Colonialism, Siege, Mataram Sultanate, Trading Post
Dutch Expel Portuguese from Solor Fort
Year: 1613
Category: Warfare & Military
The Dutch expel the Portuguese from their Solor fort, but won't stay for long.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Portuguese Empire, Spice Trade, Military Conflict, Fort
Dutch East India Company Begins Operations in Timor
Year: 1613
Category: Economy & Trade
The Dutch East India Company makes its first forays into Timor.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, VOC, Colonialism, Spice Trade, Trade, Exploration, Mercantilism
Aceh's Expansion: Conquest of Aru and Raids on Johor
Year: 1613
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Iskandar Muda of Aceh captures the North Sumatran port of Aru, subjugating the Sultanate of Deli. This allows Aceh to focus its expansionary efforts on the Straits of Malacca. Iskandar Muda continues on to sack Johor and kidnap its Sultan's family, but is later forced to retreat back to Aceh.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Sultan Iskandar Muda, Military Campaign, Colonial Era, Warfare, Regional Power, Maritime Conflict
Panembahan Seda ing Krapyak's Death and Succession
Year: 1613
Category: Politics
Panembahan Seda ing Krapyak of Mataram dies and is succeeded by his son.
Tags: Kingdom of Mataram, Javanese History, Succession, Monarchy, Political Leadership, Sultanate
Acehnese Navy Defeats Portuguese Fleet at Bintan
Year: 1614
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Iskandar Muda of Aceh sinks a Portuguese fleet off of Bintan Island.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Portuguese Empire, Naval Warfare, Colonialism, Military Conflict, Sultan Iskandar Muda, Maritime History
Dutch East India Company Attack on Malacca Repulsed
Year: 1615
Category: Warfare & Military
A Dutch East India Company attack on Portuguese Malacca is repelled.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Portuguese Empire, Malacca, Naval Warfare, Military Conflict, Trade
Portuguese Cease Hiring Japanese Mercenaries
Year: 1615
Category: Warfare & Military
The Portuguese stop hiring Japanese mercenaries after a brawl in Malacca.
Tags: Mercenaries, Portuguese Empire, Japanese History, Malacca, Colonialism, Military History, Trade Routes
Mataram Conquest of East Java
Year: 1615
Category: Warfare & Military
Panembahan ing Alaga of Mataram conquers the Eastern Salient of Java (the heartland of the old Majapahit Empire).
Tags: Conquest, Kingdom of Mataram, Majapahit Empire, Javanese History, Warfare, Expansionism, Political Consolidation
Dutch East India Company Conflicts with the Kingdom of Gowa
Year: 1615
Category: Warfare & Military
The Dutch East India Company is in open hostilities with the Kingdom of Gowa, South Sulawesi.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, VOC, Colonialism, Trade, Warfare, Military Conflict
Acehnese Conquest of Pahang
Year: 1617
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Iskandar Muda of Aceh conquers Pahang on the South China Sea.
Tags: Aceh Sultanate, Conquest, Sultan Iskandar Muda, Maritime History
Mataram Suppresses Revolt in Pajang
Year: 1617
Category: Warfare & Military
Panembahan ing Alaga of Mataram puts down a major revolt in Pajang.
Tags: Mataram Sultanate, Rebellion, Military Conflict, Sultan Agung, Political Instability
Execution of Dutch Traders in Jepara by Mataram Forces
Year: 1618
Category: Warfare & Military
Dispute leads to the execution of Dutchmen in Mataram-controlled Jepara.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, VOC, Mataram Sultanate, Colonialism, Trade, Conflict
Dutch East India Company Storms Jayakarta and Establishes Batavia
Year: 1619
Category: Warfare & Military
The Dutch East India Company storm Jayakarta and withstand a months-long siege by the combined English, Bantenese and Jayakartan forces. They are relieved by Jan Pieterszoon Coen and a fleet of ships from Ambon. The dutch destroys Jayakarta and builds its new headquarters, Batavia, on top of it.
Tags: Dutch East India Company, Colonialism, Siege, Military Conflict, Trade, Batavia, Jan Pieterszoon Coen
Amboyna Massacre: Execution of English and Japanese Traders
Year: 1623
Category: Politics
In a notorious but disputed incident, known as the 'Amboyna massacre', ten English and ten Japanese traders are arrested, tried and beheaded for conspiracy against the Dutch Government. The English quietly withdraw from most of their Indonesian activities (except trading in Bantam) and focus on other Asian interests.
Tags: Colonialism, East Indies, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, British East India Company, Maritime History, Massacre
Sultan Agung's Conquest of Surabaya
Year: 1625
Category: Warfare & Military
Sultan Agung of Mataram Sultanate conquered Surabaya, a merchant city and Mataram's strongest rival in east Java.
Tags: Sultan Agung, Mataram Sultanate, Javanese History, Conquest, Regional Power, City-State, Warfare
Mataram's First Failed Siege of Batavia
Year: 1628
Category: Warfare & Military
1629: Sultan Agung of Mataram launches a failed campaign to conquer Dutch Batavia.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Sultan Agung, Mataram Sultanate, Military Conflict, Siege Warfare
Aceh Sultanate's Failed Siege of Portuguese Malacca
Year: 1629
Category: Warfare & Military
Iskandar Muda of Aceh Sultanate launched a failed attempt to take Portuguese Malacca.
Tags: Colonialism, Aceh Sultanate, Portuguese Empire, Military Conflict, Siege, Maritime History
Death of Sultan Agung of Mataram
Year: 1646
Category: Politics
Sultan Agung of Mataram dies – and is buried at his graveyard at Imogiri.
Tags: Mataram Sultanate, Sultan, Royal Death, Succession, Javanese History
Dutch Secure Nutmeg Monopoly with Treaty of Breda
Year: 1667
Category: Economy & Trade
As a result of the Treaty of Breda between Dutch and England, the Dutch secured a worldwide monopoly on nutmeg by forcing England to give up their claim on Run, the most remote of the Banda Islands.
Tags: Colonialism, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, Mercantilism, Banda Islands, Monopoly
Siamese Revolution of 1688: French Expulsion
Year: 1688
Category: Politics
Siamese revolution of 1688 ousted French influence and virtually severed all ties with the West until the 19th century.
Tags: Revolution, Foreign Relations, Colonialism, Diplomacy
Textiles Surpass Spices as Dominant Trade Item in Dutch East Indies
Year: 1700
Category: Economy & Trade
With the decline of the spice trade, textiles are now the most important trade item in the Dutch East Indies.
Tags: Dutch East Indies, Trade, Textiles, Spice Trade, Colonialism, Economic History, Globalization, Dutch East India Company
Outbreak of the First Javanese War of Succession
Year: 1704
Category: Warfare & Military
First Javanese War of Succession.
Tags: Warfare, Succession, Mataram Sultanate, Internal Conflict, Military History, Political Instability
Coffee from Java Arrives in Amsterdam
Year: 1712
Category: Economy & Trade
The first shipment of coffee from Java reaches Amsterdam.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Trade, Commodities, Global Trade
Surabaya Uprising Against the Dutch East India Company
Year: 1717
Category: Warfare & Military
Surabaya rebels against the VOC.
Tags: Colonialism, Rebellion, VOC, Dutch East India Company, Military Conflict, Resistance
Outbreak of the Second Javanese War of Succession
Year: 1719
Category: Warfare & Military
Second Javanese War of Succession.
Tags: Javanese History, Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Internal Conflict, Military Conflict
Governor-General van Cloon of Batavia Dies of Malaria
Year: 1735
Category: Politics
Governor-General Dirck van Cloon dies, one of many victims of malaria in Batavia.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, VOC, Batavia, Governance, Public Health, Dutch Empire
Kartasura Falls: Geger Pecinan Uprising
Year: 1743
Category: Warfare & Military
The capital of the Sultanate of Mataram Kartasura fell under the Geger Pecinan uprising — Raden Mas Garendi (Sunan Kuning) led Chinese mercenaries in revolt against Pakubuwono II.
Tags: Rebellion, Civil War, Colonialism
Pakubuwono II Establishes Surakarta Sunanate in Sala Village
Year: 1745
Category: Politics
17 February, Pakubuwono II establishes a new kraton in Sala village, along with Surakarta Sunanate.
Tags: Political History
Treaty of Giyanti Divides Mataram Sultanate and Establishes Yogyakarta
Year: 1755
Category: Politics
13 February, the Treaty of Giyanti is signed, effectively partitioning the Mataram Sultanate; the VOC recognizes Mangkubumi as Sultan Hamengkubuwana I, who rules half of Central Java; Hamengkubuwana I then establishes Yogyakarta Sultanate, moves to Yogya and renames the city Yogyakarta.
Tags: Treaty, Partition, Sultanate, Colonialism, VOC, Political Division
Establishment of the Mangkunegaran Grand Duchy
Year: 1757
Category: Politics
17 March, Salatiga treaty between Prince Sambernyawa with Pakubuwono III and Hamengkubuwono I further partitions the remnant of Mataram Sultanate; the Mangkunegaran Grand Duchy is established.
Tags: Treaty, Partition, Sultanate, Colonialism, Javanese History, Mataram Sultanate
Burmese Sack of Ayutthaya
Year: 1765
Category: Warfare & Military
1767: The Burmese invade Thailand and utterly destroy Attuthaya.
Tags: Burmese Empire, Thailand, Ayutthaya, Warfare, Military History, Invasion, Siege, Conflict
Burmese Victory Over Qing China Secures Shan Hegemony
Year: 1765
Category: Warfare & Military
1769: Burma under Hsinbyushin repels four invasions from Qing China, securing hegemony over the Shan states.
Tags: Military History, Burmese Empire, Qing Dynasty, Invasion, Geopolitics, Warfare
Taksin's Victory: Expulsion of Burmese and Reunification of Siam
Year: 1767
Category: Warfare & Military
Taksin expels Burmese invaders and reunites Thailand under an authoritarian regime.
Tags: Warfare, Military, Authoritarianism, Reunification
French Capture Clove Plants, Challenging Dutch Spice Monopoly
Year: 1769
Category: Economy & Trade
French expeditions capture clove plants in Ambon, ending the Dutch East India Company's (VOC) monopoly of the plant.
Tags: Colonialism, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, French Empire, Monopoly, Competition, Ambon, Economy, Globalization
Founding of Kongsi Republics in Borneo
Year: 1776
Category: Politics
Several kongsi republics are founded by Chinese settlers in the island of Borneo. They are some of the first democracies in Asia.
Tags: Republic, Democracy, Governance
Tay Son Dynasty Unifies Vietnam, Ends Le Dynasty
Year: 1778
Category: Politics
Vietnam is reunified for the first time in 200 years by the Tay Son brothers. The Tây Sơn dynasty has been established, terminating the Lê dynasty.
Tags: Dynasty, Unification, Political Transition, Civil War
Establishment of the Tây Sơn Dynasty
Year: 1778
Category: Politics
Tây Sơn dynasty was established in Vietnam.
Tags: Dynasty, Monarchy, Civil War
Thonburi Kingdom Dissolved by Palace Coup
Year: 1782
Category: Politics
The Thonburi Kingdom of Thailand is dissolved after a palace coup.
Tags: Political History, Monarchy, Thai History, Succession, Military
Qing Dynasty's Failed Intervention in Vietnam
Year: 1788
Category: Warfare & Military
1789: A Qing attempt to reinstall an exiled Vietnamese king in northern Vietnam ends in disaster.
Tags: Qing Dynasty, Military Intervention, Dynastic Politics, Warfare, Conflict
Quang Trung's Victory Over the Qing Dynasty
Year: 1789
Category: Warfare & Military
Quang Trung defeats the Qing army.
Tags: Military History, Qing Dynasty, Military Campaign, Defense, Sovereignty
Hamengkubuwana I of Yogyakarta Dies
Year: 1792
Category: Politics
March, Hamengkubuwana I dies.
Tags: Javanese History, Monarchy
VOC Dissolved, Dutch East Indies Established
Year: 1800
Category: Politics
On 1 January, the bankrupt VOC is formally dissolved and the nationalized Dutch East Indies are established.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch Empire, VOC, East Indies, Nationalization, Political Transition, Global Trade, Imperialism
Outbreak of the First Phase of the Padri War
Year: 1803
Category: Warfare & Military
First phase of Padri War. (to 1825)
Tags: Colonialism, Islam, Sumatra, Dutch East India Company, Religious Conflict, Warfare
British Annexation of Burma Begins
Year: 1823
Category: Warfare & Military
1823–1887: The British Empire annexed Burma (now also called Myanmar) after three Anglo-Burmese Wars.
Tags: British Empire, Colonialism, Imperialism, Military Expansion, Annexation, Burma
Java War: Escalation of Fighting
Year: 1825
Category: Warfare & Military
Java War. (to 1830)
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East India Company, Resistance, Warfare, Insurgency, Military Conflict
Dutch Control of Yogyakarta and Surakarta After Diponegoro War
Year: 1830
Category: Warfare & Military
Following the Diponegoro War, the Dutch solidified their control over Yogyakarta and Surakarta with the Klaten Agreement, permanently dividing the Mataram kingdom and establishing Dutch dominance in the region.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Mataram Sultanate, Military Occupation
Padri War: Second Phase Continues
Year: 1831
Category: Warfare & Military
Second phase of Padri War. (to 1838)
Tags: Warfare, Colonialism, Islam, Dutch East India Company
France Establishes Initial Colonial Presence in Cochinchina
Year: 1862
Category: Warfare & Military
French gain first foothold in Southeast Asia.
Tags: Colonialism, Imperialism, French Empire, Vietnam War, Military Expansion, Indochina
Andres Bonifacio's Birth
Year: 1863
Category: Politics
November 30: Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan, was born.
Tags: Revolution, Nationalism, Independence Movement, Political Activism
France Establishes Protectorate Over Cambodia
Year: 1863
Category: Politics
France annexes Cambodia.
Tags: Colonialism, French Empire, Protectorate, Imperialism, Political Expansion
Birth of Apolinario Mabini, Filipino Revolutionary Leader
Year: 1864
Category: Politics
July 23: Apolinario Mabini, the Brains of the Revolution, was born.
Tags: Revolution, Nationalism, Political Thought, Colonialism, Independence
Batavian Museum Opens in Dutch East Indies
Year: 1868
Category: Society & Culture
The Batavian Museum (today National Museum of Indonesia) was officially opened by Dutch East Indies government.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Art, History
Dismantling of the Cultivation System in the Dutch East Indies
Year: 1870
Category: Economy & Trade
Official dismantling of the Cultivation System and beginning of a 'Liberal Policy' of deregulated exploitation of the Netherlands East Indies.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Exploitation, Free Trade, Agriculture, Commodities, Dutch Empire, Resource Extraction
Execution of Gomburza by Spanish Authorities
Year: 1872
Category: Politics
February 17: Filipino priests José Burgos, Mariano Gomez and Jacinto Zamora, collectively known as Gomburza, are executed in Bagumbayan Fields, Manila, Philippines by the authorities of New Spain, on charges of subversion arising from the 1872 Cavite mutiny.
Tags: Colonialism, Spanish Empire, Execution, Political Repression, Nationalism, Religious Figures
Dutch Invasion of Aceh Begins
Year: 1873
Category: Warfare & Military
The beginning of the bloody Aceh War for Dutch occupation of the province.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch Empire, Military Conflict, Imperialism, Occupation
Kartini Born in Jepara
Year: 1879
Category: Society & Culture
April 21: Kartini was born in Jepara, today the date is commemorated as women's emancipation day in Indonesia.
Tags: Women's Rights, Social Reform, Emancipation, Gender Equality, Colonialism
Sino-French War and the Creation of French Indochina
Year: 1884
Category: Warfare & Military
1884–1885: The Sino-French War led to the formation of French Indochina.
Tags: Warfare, Colonialism, Imperialism, French Empire, Qing Dynasty, Military Conflict, Indochina
Burma Annexed into the British Empire
Year: 1886
Category: Politics
Burma is presented to Queen Victoria as a birthday gift.
Tags: British Empire, Colonialism, Imperialism, Queen Victoria, Annexation, Expansionism, Political History
Koninklijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij (KPM) Founded
Year: 1888
Category: Economy & Trade
Founding of the shipping line Koninklijke Paketvaart-Maatschappij (KPM) that supported the unification and development of the colonial economy.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Shipping, Trade, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Maritime Transport
Dutch Destruction of Cakranegara Palace and Manuscript Discovery
Year: 1894
Category: Warfare & Military
Lombok War The Dutch looted and destroyed the Cakranegara palace of Mataram. J. L. A. Brandes, a Dutch philologist discovered and secured Nagarakretagama manuscript in Lombok royal library.
Tags: Military Conflict, Cultural Heritage, Imperialism
Dewey's Victory at Manila Bay
Year: 1898
Category: Warfare & Military
May 1: Commodore George Dewey sinks Spanish fleet near Manila.
Tags: Spanish-American War, Naval Warfare, Imperialism, United States Navy, Colonialism, Battle
Philippine Independence Declared
Year: 1898
Category: Politics
June 12: Philippine Independence from Spain is declared by Filipino revolutionaries, led by Pres. Emilio Aguinaldo, in Kawit, Cavite.
Tags: Nationalism, Independence Movements, Colonialism, Revolution, Political Change
United States Acquires Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines
Year: 1898
Category: Warfare & Military
The United States gains control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines after the Spanish–American War.
Tags: Spanish-American War, Imperialism, Colonialism, Military Occupation, Treaty of Paris, Global Power
Van Heutz Appointed Chief of Staff in Aceh; Wilhelmina Ascends Dutch Throne
Year: 1898
Category: Warfare & Military
General van Heutz becomes chief of staff of Aceh campaign. Wilhelmina becomes queen of the Netherlands.
Tags: Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Military Leadership, Monarchy, Imperialism
Anglo-Siamese Treaty Signed
Year: 1909
Category: Politics
March 10: Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 signed (effective on July 9).
Tags: Treaty, Colonialism, British Empire, Thailand, Imperialism, Political Agreements
Siamese Revolution: Constitutional Monarchy Established
Year: 1932
Category: Politics
June 24: Siamese Revolution establishes a constitutional monarchy.
Tags: Constitutional Monarchy, Revolution, Political Reform, Thailand, Military Coup, Political Transition, Monarchy
United States Grants More Autonomy to the Philippines
Year: 1934
Category: Politics
March 24: The United States grants more autonomy to the Philippines.
Tags: Colonialism, Self-Government, Commonwealth, Imperialism, Interwar Period
Boy Scouts of the Philippines Founded
Year: 1936
Category: Society & Culture
October 31: Boy Scouts of the Philippines is founded.
Tags: Social Movements, Education
Bataan Death March Begins
Year: 1942
Category: Warfare & Military
April 9: Bataan Death March.
Tags: World War II, Pacific Theater, Japanese Empire, Philippines Campaign, War Crimes
Japanese Capture of Corregidor Island
Year: 1942
Category: Warfare & Military
May 5 – 6: Battle of Corregidor.
Tags: World War II, Pacific Theater, Philippines Campaign, Japanese Empire, United States Army, Siege, Military Strategy, Island Warfare, Surrender
José P. Laurel Inaugurated as Philippine President
Year: 1943
Category: Politics
October 14: José P. Laurel takes the oath of office as President of the Second Philippine Republic.
Tags: World War II, Presidency, Government, Warfare
Battle of Leyte Begins
Year: 1944
Category: Warfare & Military
October – December: American and Filipino troops begin the Battle of Leyte in the Philippines.
Tags: World War II, Pacific Theater, Philippines Campaign, Battle, Liberation, Allies
Liberation of Manila
Year: 1945
Category: Warfare & Military
February 3 – March 3: Battle of Manila.
Tags: World War II, Pacific Theater, Battle, Military History, Liberation, Urban Warfare, Japanese Empire
Indonesia Declares Independence
Year: 1945
Category: Politics
August 17: Independence of Indonesia proclaimed beginning the Indonesian National Revolution.
Tags: Independence, Decolonization, Nationalism, Revolution, World War II, Post-War, Sukarno, Dutch East Indies
Japan's Surrender and End of World War II in Asia
Year: 1945
Category: Warfare & Military
September 2: End of World War II in Asia with the beginning of the Surrender of Japan.
Related subsequent announcement of the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
Tags: World War II, Surrender, Japanese Empire, Allies, Independence, Post-War, Cold War, Ho Chi Minh
Bhumibol Adulyadej Ascends to the Thai Throne
Year: 1946
Category: Politics
June 9: Bhumibol Adulyadej becomes King of Thailand.
Tags: Monarchy, Thailand, King, Succession, Post-War
Philippines Granted Independence by the United States
Year: 1946
Category: Politics
July 4: The Treaty of Manila declares Philippines independent.
Tags: Decolonization, Post-War, Independence, Treaty
First Indochina War Begins
Year: 1946
Category: Warfare & Military
December 19: First Indochina War begins.
Tags: Warfare, Colonialism, Decolonization, Indochina, Post-World War II, Resistance
Burma and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) Gain Independence from Britain
Year: 1948
Category: Politics
February 4: Independence of Burma and Ceylon (Sri Lanka) from Britain.
Tags: Decolonization, Independence, British Empire, Nationalism, Self-determination, Political Transition, Cold War
Colombo Plan Established for Asia-Pacific Development
Year: 1951
Category: Economy & Trade
July 1: Colombo Plan, a regional organisation of 27 countries designed to strengthen economic and social development of member countries in the Asia-Pacific region, commences.
Tags: Economic Development, Asia-Pacific, Post-Colonialism, International Cooperation, Cold War, Regionalism
Cambodia Gains Independence from France
Year: 1953
Category: Politics
November 9: Independence of Cambodia.
Tags: Decolonization, Independence, Cold War, Nationalism
First Indochina War Officially Concludes
Year: 1954
Category: Warfare & Military
August 1: First Indochina War ends.
Tags: Cold War, Decolonization, Indochina, Nationalism, Military Conflict
Bandung Conference: Asian-African Nations Unite
Year: 1955
Category: Politics
April 18 – 24: Bandung Conference.
Tags: Decolonization, Cold War, International Relations, Diplomacy, Post-Colonialism
Federation of Malaya Achieves Independence
Year: 1957
Category: Politics
August 31: Independence of the Federation of Malaya.
Tags: Decolonization, Independence, Malaysia, British Empire, Cold War, Nationalism, Post-Colonialism
Vietnam War Begins
Year: 1959
Category: Warfare & Military
November 1: Beginning of the Vietnam War, which lasts until 1975.
Tags: Cold War, Vietnam War, Communism, Containment, Guerrilla Warfare, Ho Chi Minh, United States Foreign Policy, Anti-War Movement
Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation Begins
Year: 1963
Category: Warfare & Military
January 20: Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation begins.
Tags: Cold War, Decolonization, Proxy War, Military Conflict, Border Dispute, Political Tensions, Sukarno, British Empire
Buddhist Protests Ignite in South Vietnam
Year: 1963
Category: Religion
May 8: Beginning of the Buddhist crisis in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Tags: Vietnam War, Buddhism, South Vietnam, Religious Violence, Political Instability, Cold War
Assassination of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem
Year: 1963
Category: Politics
November 2: 1963 South Vietnamese coup: Arrest and assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem, the South Vietnamese President.
Tags: Cold War, Vietnam War, Coup d'état, Political Assassination, South Vietnam, Anti-Communism, Proxy Wars
Kenya and Zanzibar Gain Independence; Malaysia Established
Year: 1963
Category: Politics
December 10 – 12: Independence of Kenya and Zanzibar and creation of Malaysia.
Tags: Decolonization, Independence, Post-Colonialism, Nationalism, British Empire, Cold War, Kenya, Malaysia, Self-determination
Gulf of Tonkin Incident Escalates U.S. Involvement in Vietnam War
Year: 1964
Category: Warfare & Military
August 2: The Gulf of Tonkin incident led to the escalation of U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War.
Tags: Vietnam War, Cold War, United States Military, Military Intervention
Singapore Achieves Independence
Year: 1965
Category: Politics
August 9: Singapore gains independence.
Tags: Independence, Decolonization, Cold War, Nation Building, Post-Colonialism, Self-determination
Coup Attempt and Anti-Communist Purge in Indonesia
Year: 1965
Category: Politics
September 30: 30 September Movement in the Indonesia.
Tags: Cold War, Anti-Communism, Coup, Purge, Sukarno, Human Rights, Mass Violence
Ferdinand Marcos Inaugurated as President of the Philippines
Year: 1965
Category: Politics
December 30: Ferdinand Marcos becomes President of the Philippines.
Tags: Presidency, Cold War, Authoritarianism, Government
Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation Officially Ends
Year: 1966
Category: Warfare & Military
August 11: The Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation ends.
Tags: Cold War, International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Nationalism, Border Disputes, Military, Malaysia
ASEAN Founding
Year: 1967
Category: Politics
August 8: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) founded.
Tags: Regionalism, International Relations, Cold War, Political Cooperation, Economic Development, Diplomacy, Post-Colonialism
Tet Offensive in South Vietnam
Year: 1968
Category: Warfare & Military
January – September: The Tet Offensive occurs in South Vietnam.
Tags: Vietnam War, Cold War, Insurgency, Guerrilla Warfare, Military Strategy, Ho Chi Minh, South Vietnam
My Lai Massacre of Vietnamese Civilians
Year: 1968
Category: Warfare & Military
March 16: My Lai massacre, a mass murder and rape of unarmed South Vietnamese civilians by U.S. troops in the Vietnam War.
Tags: Vietnam War, War Crimes, Massacre, US Military, Anti-War Movement, Atrocities, Cold War, South Vietnam, Human Rights
First Quarter Storm Protests in the Philippines
Year: 1970
Category: Politics
January 26 – March 17: First Quarter Storm civil unrest in the Philippines.
Tags: Protests, Civil Unrest, Student Movements, Political Activism, Martial Law, Social Justice
Saigon Falls: End of the Vietnam War
Year: 1975
Category: Warfare & Military
April 30: The Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War.
Tags: Vietnam War, Cold War, Communism, Anti-War Movement, Military Intervention, Geopolitics, United States Foreign Policy, Decolonization
Indonesian Invasion of East Timor
Year: 1975
Category: Warfare & Military
December 7: Indonesian invasion of East Timor begins.
Tags: Cold War, East Timor, Invasion, Military Intervention, Self-determination, Human Rights, Decolonization
Vietnam Invades Cambodia
Year: 1978
Category: Warfare & Military
December 25: The Cambodian-Vietnamese War begins.
Tags: Cold War, Indochina, Invasion, Conflict, Khmer Rouge, Vietnam War, Pol Pot
Vietnam Overthrows Khmer Rouge Regime in Cambodia
Year: 1979
Category: Warfare & Military
January 7: The Vietnamese invasion of Kampuchea ends Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime.
Tags: Vietnam War, Cold War, Khmer Rouge, Invasion, Regime Change, Pol Pot, Human Rights, Military Intervention
Sino-Vietnamese War
Year: 1979
Category: Warfare & Military
February – March: Sino-Vietnamese War.
Tags: Warfare, Cold War, Border Conflict, Geopolitics, Military Conflict
People Power Revolution Overthrows Marcos Dictatorship
Year: 1986
Category: Politics
February 22 – 25: The People Power Revolution leads to the end of the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines.
Tags: Revolution, Dictatorship, Democracy, Cold War, Political Transition
Myanmar Military Coup d'état after the 8888 Uprising
Year: 1988
Category: Warfare & Military
Myanmar Armed Forces launch a military coup, ending the 8888 uprising.
Tags: Military Coup, Authoritarianism, Dictatorship, Armed Forces, Political Repression, Civil Unrest, Cold War
Aung San Suu Kyi Placed Under House Arrest by Myanmar Military
Year: 1990
Category: Politics
September 6: Myanmar Armed Forces place Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest.
Tags: Burma, Military Dictatorship, House Arrest, Political Repression, Human Rights, Democracy Movement
Philippine Government and MNLF Sign Peace Agreement
Year: 1996
Category: Politics
September 2: A permanent peace agreement is signed at the Malacañan Palace between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front.
Tags: Peace Treaty, Insurgency, Separatism, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, Government
Thailand Floats Baht, Initiating Asian Financial Crisis
Year: 1997
Category: Economy & Trade
July 2: The Bank of Thailand floats the baht, triggering the Asian financial crisis.
Tags: Financial Crisis, Globalization, Thailand, Recession, Speculation
Death of Cambodian Khmer Rouge Leader Pol Pot
Year: 1998
Category: Politics
April 15: Death of Pol Pot.
Tags: Cold War, Cambodia, Khmer Rouge, Genocide, Dictatorship, Political Violence, Pol Pot, Communism
Indonesian Riots and Suharto's Fall
Year: 1998
Category: Politics
May 4 – 15: Riots in Indonesia, including incidents of mass violence, demonstrations, and civil unrest of a racial nature, result in the Fall of Suharto and the independence of East Timor.
Tags: Political Transition, Civil Unrest, Mass Violence, Regime Change, East Timor, Human Rights, Independence
East Timor Crisis and Violence
Year: 1999
Category: Warfare & Military
April: A crisis in East Timor, which led to 1,400 deaths, begins.
Tags: East Timor, Independence Movements, Civil Unrest, Human Rights, United Nations, Post-Colonialism, Military Intervention, Atrocities
Estrada Ousted, Bush Inaugurated
Year: 2001
Category: Politics
January 20:
President Joseph Estrada of the Philippines is ousted in the Second EDSA Revolution.
George W. Bush is inaugurated as President of the United States.
Tags: Political Transition, Presidency, Democracy, George W. Bush, Protests
Dos Palmas Resort Kidnappings by Abu Sayyaf Group
Year: 2001
Category: Warfare & Military
May 27: Dos Palmas kidnappings: Twenty tourists are abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group terrorists from a popular island resort in the Philippines.
Tags: Terrorism, Kidnapping, Insurgency, War on Terror, Political Violence
Thai Military Overthrows Thaksin Shinawatra's Government
Year: 2006
Category: Politics
September 19: A coup d'état in Thailand overthrows the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Tags: Coup d'état, Thailand, Military, Government, Political Instability
Myanmar Junta Suppresses Anti-Government Protests
Year: 2007
Category: Politics
August 15: Anti-government protests in Myanmar suppressed by ruling junta.
Tags: Protests, Authoritarianism, Political Repression, Human Rights
Thai Military Crackdown on Protests
Year: 2010
Category: Warfare & Military
A military crackdown occurs in Thailand.
Tags: Military, Protests, Thailand, Political Violence, Human Rights, Coup d'état
Aung San Suu Kyi Released from House Arrest
Year: 2010
Category: Politics
Burmese political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi is released from house arrest.
Tags: Human Rights, Democracy, Activism, Authoritarianism, Political Reform
Zamboanga City Siege
Year: 2013
Category: Warfare & Military
September 9 – 28: Zamboanga City crisis.
Tags: Insurgency, Conflict, Siege, Armed Conflict
Lahad Datu Standoff
Year: 2013
Category: Warfare & Military
2013 Lahad Datu standoff.
Tags: Insurgency, Military Conflict, Separatism, Armed Forces
Thai Military Overthrows Caretaker Government
Year: 2014
Category: Politics
May 22: A coup d'état in Thailand overthrows the caretaker government.
Tags: Coup d'état, Military, Thailand, Government, Army, Political Instability
Joko Widodo Elected President of Indonesia
Year: 2014
Category: Politics
Joko Widodo is elected President of Indonesia.
Tags: Elections, Presidency, Democracy, Political Leadership, Government
Rodrigo Duterte Inaugurated as Philippine President, Launches Drug War
Year: 2016
Category: Politics
May 9: Rodrigo Duterte becomes President of the Philippines, and initiates a controversial drug war.
Tags: Presidency, Human Rights, Law Enforcement, Controversy, Governance
King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand Dies; Vajiralongkorn Ascends Throne
Year: 2016
Category: Politics
King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand dies after 70 years on the throne and is succeeded by his son Vajiralongkorn.
Tags: Monarchy, Succession, Thailand
Assassination of Kim Jong-nam in Malaysia
Year: 2017
Category: Politics
February 13: Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of Kim Jong-Un, is assassinated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tags: Assassination, Diplomacy, Cold War Legacy, Intelligence Agencies
Pakatan Harapan Wins Malaysian General Election
Year: 2018
Category: Politics
Pakatan Harapan becomes the first opposition party to assume power in Malaysia since independence.
Tags: Elections, Political Transition, Democracy, Opposition, Coalition Government
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Established
Year: 2019
Category: Politics
January 25: Establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Tags: Autonomy, Insurgency, Peace Process, Self-determination, Governance
Suicide Bombings in Sulu, Philippines
Year: 2019
Category: Warfare & Military
January – June: A series of suicide bombings occur in Sulu, Philippines.
Tags: Terrorism, Insurgency, Armed Conflict
Najib Razak Convicted in 1MDB Scandal Trial
Year: 2020
Category: Politics
July 28: Former Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak is found guilty of all seven charges in the first of five trials on the 1MDB scandal, being jailed 12 years and fined RM210 million as a result.
Tags: Corruption, Malaysia, Criminal Justice, Government
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Signed
Year: 2020
Category: Economy & Trade
November 15: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is signed by 15 Asia-Pacific countries to form the world's largest free-trade bloc, covering a third of the world's population.
Tags: Free Trade, Economic Integration, Asia-Pacific, Globalization, Trade Agreements, Regionalism, International Relations, Economic Cooperation
Military Coups in Myanmar, Mali, and Guinea
Year: 2021
Category: Politics
Coups d'état occur in Myanmar, Mali and Guinea.
Tags: Coup d'état, Military, Authoritarianism, Political Instability, Armed Forces, Governance
Operation 1027 Begins in Myanmar Civil War
Year: 2023
Category: Warfare & Military
October 27: Operation 1027, a coordinated assault by anti-Junta forces in the Myanmar civil war, begins.
Tags: Civil War, Military Offensive, Insurgency, Armed Conflict
Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Year: 2024
Category: Society & Culture
June 18: Same-sex marriage legalised in Thailand
Tags: LGBTQ+, Marriage Equality, Thailand, Civil Rights, Legalization, Human Rights
Philippine Drug War Continues Amidst Criticism
Year: 2025
Category: Politics
Philippine drug war
Tags: Human Rights, Political Violence, Presidential Politics, Law Enforcement, Humanitarian Crisis
