South East Asia 979 CE

What is happening in South East Asia in 979CE

In Burma, the kingdom of Pyu has fallen. In its place, the Burmans have founded a state based on their capital Pagan, while a powerful Mon kingdom has also been established. Both the Mon and Pagan kingdoms have inherited much of their civilization from the Pyu kingdom, and both give Buddhism a central place in their religious and cultural life.

This period sees Champa reach a peak of power and prosperity, and to its north, the Vietnamese people, hitherto content to remain under Chinese rule, have won their independence. In Cambodia, a strong, centralized Khmer kingdom has superseded the numerous smaller states in the area.

The Sri Vijayan empire continues to dominate many of the coasts and islands of South East Asia. However, the kingdoms of Java have won their independence. Here, one of the most remarkable structures in the entire region has been constructed, the massive Buddhist temple complex at Borobodur.

Next map, South East Asia in 1215