Majapahit Empire

In this episode, we explore the Majapahit Empire, a powerful Hindu-Buddhist maritime kingdom based in Java that rose to prominence after Raden Wijaya’s victory over Mongol forces in 1293 and became one of the most influential powers in Southeast Asian history. The episode follows Majapahit’s golden age under Hayam Wuruk and Gajah Mada, whose political ambition, naval networks, and military campaigns helped extend the empire’s influence across much of the Nusantara archipelago. It also examines Majapahit’s rich cultural legacy, including its terracotta art, complex administration, and religious syncretism, while tracing the internal struggles and the rise of Islamic sultanates that eventually led to its decline and the transfer of power to Demak.