ANCIENT PORTS IN MARITIME SOUTH EAST ASIA: THEIR ROLE IN ASIA TRADE FROM THE SEVENTH TO FIFTEENTH CENTURY

Abstract

South East Asia region started trading with its neighbour countries and regions dated back in early days of history because of its predominantly geographic location. It had a significant role in east to west lifeblood transportation. The important channels including Sunda, Malacca… are the main passages which led to a huge market called Pacific Asia. The article will examine the role of ancient ports such as Sri Vijaya, Mojopahit and Malacca. in relation to trade development in maritime South East Asia from the 7th to 15th century. It then will generalise the development of Pacific Asia trade and the economic and cultural interactions between maritime nations and regions in the world.