Malacca Sultanate

The Malacca Sultanate was a powerful Malay kingdom established in the 15th century in what is now Malaysia. It played a crucial role in maritime trade, attracting merchants from around the world due to its strategic location along important trade routes. The sultanate is known for its cultural and economic prosperity, fostering Islam as a major religion in the region. It became a hub of Malay culture and influence but eventually declined due to European colonial expansions, particularly by the Portuguese in 1511. Its legacy continues to impact the cultural and historical identity of Southeast Asia.