History

The study of Southeast Asian history within Area Studies examines the political, social, cultural, and economic developments of the region over time.

When did Homo sapiens first inhabit Southeast Asia?

"he earliest Homo sapiens presence in Mainland Southeast Asia can be traced back to 70,000 years ago and to at least 50,000 years ago in Maritime Southeast Asia."

Which countries are included in Mainland Southeast Asia?

"Mainland Southeast Asia comprises Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (or Burma), Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam."

Which countries are included in Maritime Southeast Asia?

"Maritime Southeast Asia comprises Brunei, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, East Malaysia, East Timor, Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore."

What were the two distinct sub-regions of Southeast Asia?

"Mainland Southeast Asia (or Indochina) and Maritime Southeast Asia (or Insular Southeast Asia)."

When did East Asian-related groups expand into Maritime Southeast Asia?

"Since 25,000 years ago, East Asian-related (Basal East Asian) groups expanded southwards into Maritime Southeast Asia from Mainland Southeast Asia."

What agricultural societies emerged during the Neolithic period?

"The earliest agricultural societies that cultivated millet and wet-rice emerged around 1700 BCE in the lowlands and river floodplains of Indochina."

When did the use of copper begin in Southeast Asia?

"The Phung Nguyen culture (modern northern Vietnam) and the Ban Chiang site (modern Thailand) account for the earliest use of copper by around 2,000 BCE."

Which kingdoms emerged in the early centuries of the common era?

"Smaller and insular principalities increasingly engaged in and contributed to the rapidly expanding sea trade."

How did the topographical diversity influence Southeast Asia's history?

"The wide topographical diversity of Southeast Asia has greatly influenced its history."

What were the major river systems of Mainland Southeast Asia?

"The sub-region's extensive coastline and major river systems of the Irrawaddy, Salween, Chao Phraya, Mekong, and Red River have directed socio-cultural and economic activities towards the Indian Ocean and South China Sea."

Where did growth and prosperity in Maritime Southeast Asia come from?

"where growth and prosperity were associated with sea trade."

How did Indian culture influence Southeast Asia?

"Most local trading polities selectively adopted Indian Hindu elements of statecraft, religion, culture, and administration during the early centuries of the common era."

How did Chinese culture diffuse into Southeast Asia?

"Chinese culture diffused into the region more indirectly and sporadically, as trade was mostly based on land routes like the Silk Road."

When did Buddhism begin to affect political structures in Indochina?

"Buddhism, particularly in Indochina, began to affect political structures beginning in the 8th to 9th centuries CE."

When did Islamic ideas arrive in insular Southeast Asia?

"Islamic ideas arrived in insular Southeast Asia as early as the 8th century."

What was the impact of European colonialism on Southeast Asian polities?

"The era of European colonialism, early Modernity, and the Cold War era revealed the reality of limited political significance for the various Southeast Asian polities."

What was required for national survival and progress after World War II?

"Post-World War II national survival and progress required a modern state and a strong national identity."

What is the concept of intergovernmental co-operation in Southeast Asia?

"Most modern Southeast Asian countries enjoy a historically unprecedented degree of political freedom and self-determination and have embraced the practical concept of intergovernmental co-operation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)."

When did Austronesian immigrants settle in Maritime Southeast Asia?

"sea-borne Austronesian immigrants preferably settled in Maritime Southeast Asia."

When did the first Muslim societies emerge in Southeast Asia?

"Islamic ideas arrived in insular Southeast Asia as early as the 8th century, and the first Muslim societies in the area emerged by the 13th century."