history

• How did Singapore's Geographical Location affect its connection with the region and the world

  • Singapore is part of the region of southeast asia, which lies to the south of china and the east of india.
  • these 2 countries were home to old and influential civalisations which traded extensively throughout the region and beyond.
• The Straits of Malacca was an important trade route between China and India since ancient times. It connected the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea.
• In the early years, Singapore was just a small fishing village called Temasek (meaning sea town).
• However, in the late 14th century, Temasek became more prominent due to the rise of the Srivijayan empire.
• During this time, Temasek was not considered very significant because it lacked natural harbours or strategic locations that would make it attractive to traders.
• Temasek was first mentioned in Chinese records from around 1300 AD when it was ruled by the Majapahit Empire.
• During the colonial period, Singapore served as a key port for these european powers to conduct their business in Southeast Asia.
• European powers such as Portugal, Spain, Holland, Britain and France established trading posts along this route.
• In the early years of European exploration, the straits of malacca became one of the most heavily trafficked sea lanes in the world.
• How did early singapore become an important trading centre?

  • location. Singapore was positioned to benefit from the maritime trade taking place between china and the rest of the world
  • this trade enables several trading centres to emerge and develop throughout the region
  • Srivijaya developed around the port of Palembang in Sumatra.
• Melakas success led to the emergence of other states like Johor, Aceh and Patani which also controlled parts of the straits of melaka
• What is archaeology?


  Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains.
• Reasons for the decline of Singapore by the 15th century:
• Weather patterns underwent severe changes in the 14th century, leading to droughts and famines in China
• Climate and economic changes affected trade with China
• The collapse of the Chinese economy under the strain contributed to the decline in trade between Southeast Asia and China
• Singapore fell prey to external threats
• As a small island, Singapore was vulnerable to larger powers in the region
• Invasions from hostile kingdoms, such as Majapahit and Ayutthaya, weakened Singapore by the end of the 14th century
• as the Chinese economy collapsed under the strain trade between southeast Asia and China would have suffered accordingly
• Singapore also fell prey to external threats. As a small island it was always vulnerable to larger powers in the region. we have already seen how invasions from hostile kingdoms brought about the downfall of Srivijaya. similarly the kingdoms of Majapahit and ayutthaya (in Thailand) launched attacks on Temasek that weakened it by the end of the 14th century.