“The only pitched battle to be lost by a European army in the history of decolonisation.” That was how historian Jean-Pierre Rioux described the French Indochina War. At the latest
Author: ktonie
Fall of Singapore: How Japan’s Bicycle Army Conquered Malaya in 70 DaysFall of Singapore: How Japan’s Bicycle Army Conquered Malaya in 70 Days
On the morning of 15 February 1942, Lieutenant General Arthur Percival surrendered to the Japanese lines in Singapore. The surrender marks the fall of Singapore. Behind him lay 85,000 British,
Malacca Sultanate History: The golden age of trade that put Southeast Asia on the mapMalacca Sultanate History: The golden age of trade that put Southeast Asia on the map
Tomé Pires, a Portuguese trader who visited Malacca in the early 16th century made statement on Malacca sultanate. “Whoever is Lord of Malacca shall have his hands on the throat
History of Bangkok: From Riverside Village to the World’s Most Visited CityHistory of Bangkok: From Riverside Village to the World’s Most Visited City
History of Bangkok started from a humble beginning and not considered as a proper city in the past. For much of history, Bangkok started from a little more than a
Majapahit Empire: The Rise, Glory, and Legacy of Southeast Asia’s Greatest KingdomMajapahit Empire: The Rise, Glory, and Legacy of Southeast Asia’s Greatest Kingdom
Most readers can name the Roman, Ottoman, Mongol or the British Empire. Far fewer had heard of the Majapahit Empire. During its peak, this Hindu-Buddhist kingdom controlled 98 tributaries stretching
Vietnam Dynasties: Five Kingdoms That Built a NationVietnam Dynasties: Five Kingdoms That Built a Nation
Vietnam’s history is not just a story of kings and kingdoms, it shows story of resilience and survival. Across centuries, powerful dynasties rose and fell, leaving legacies and systems to
Chinese Influence on Vietnam: A Thousand Years of Power, Resistance, and LegacyChinese Influence on Vietnam: A Thousand Years of Power, Resistance, and Legacy
Vietnam is often described as culturally close to East Asia, sharing Confucian values, bureaucratic traditions, and social norms. Many of these values are commonly associated with China, Korea, and Japan.
Spanish Colonization of the Philippines: How 300 Years of Rule Shaped a NationSpanish Colonization of the Philippines: How 300 Years of Rule Shaped a Nation
The modern Philippine state shaped by successive colonial powers—most notably Spain, followed by the United States and Japan. Among these, Spanish rule left the deepest and most enduring imprint, reshaping
SEA Historical Sites You Should Visit Before You DieSEA Historical Sites You Should Visit Before You Die
Historical sites can be discovered in Southeast Asia, as the region filled with ancient civilizations, powerful kingdoms, and colonial legacies have left behind breathtaking landmarks. From grand temple to well-preserved
Minangkabau History: How One Culture Shaped Both West Sumatra and Negeri SembilanMinangkabau History: How One Culture Shaped Both West Sumatra and Negeri Sembilan
The Minangkabau are one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating peoples — a matrilineal civilization that built an empire in the highlands of West Sumatra and sent its people across the