On this trail, we walked through a time passageway, looking back at what Singapore was. Despite our growling stomachs urging us to finish the trail quickly, the information boards proved to be too captivating for of a few of us.
Singapore was a prosperous port for about 100 years from 1300 to 1400, where merchants from various countries met to exchange goods. This period of time was Singapore’s golden age.
The Decline…
When the king of Siam, Iskandar Syah, passed away, a flotilla of row boats (habitually used by the Sea Nomads) began to force ships from the East passing through the straits between Malacca and the island of Sumatra to go to Malacca to trade their merchandise.
This coercion caused Singapura to be deserted by merchants, which lead to the decline of Singapore’s golden age…
Although Singapore was increasingly overshadowed by Malacca, it remained as an important port, a meeting place for ships in the 15th century.
The 16th Century
In 1511 the Portuguese captured Malacca, and the Malay ruler fled to the Johor – Riau area. For the next 300 years, the main Malay headquarters were either in Johor or on the island of Bintan 100km south of Singapore. Singapore itself was too exposed to invasion to be reinstated as the capital.
Nevertheless Singapore continued to be an important location. A 16th century Portuguese map shows Singapore clearly. The map shows a Malay harbourmaster’s office, proof that Singapore was still a trading center.
Singapore was a prosperous port for about 100 years from 1300 to 1400, where merchants from various countries met to exchange goods. This period of time was Singapore’s golden age.
The Decline…
When the king of Siam, Iskandar Syah, passed away, a flotilla of row boats (habitually used by the Sea Nomads) began to force ships from the East passing through the straits between Malacca and the island of Sumatra to go to Malacca to trade their merchandise.
This coercion caused Singapura to be deserted by merchants, which lead to the decline of Singapore’s golden age…
Although Singapore was increasingly overshadowed by Malacca, it remained as an important port, a meeting place for ships in the 15th century.
The 16th Century
In 1511 the Portuguese captured Malacca, and the Malay ruler fled to the Johor – Riau area. For the next 300 years, the main Malay headquarters were either in Johor or on the island of Bintan 100km south of Singapore. Singapore itself was too exposed to invasion to be reinstated as the capital.
Nevertheless Singapore continued to be an important location. A 16th century Portuguese map shows Singapore clearly. The map shows a Malay harbourmaster’s office, proof that Singapore was still a trading center.
The 17th Century
The Portuguese and Malays fought frequent fierce wars against one another, usually at sea and often in Singapore waters. In 1613, Portuguese ships bombarded Singapore. It would therefore seem that Singapore had contained a settlement of some significance at that time. This attack apparently drove away the remaining islanders.
The Portuguese and Malays fought frequent fierce wars against one another, usually at sea and often in Singapore waters. In 1613, Portuguese ships bombarded Singapore. It would therefore seem that Singapore had contained a settlement of some significance at that time. This attack apparently drove away the remaining islanders.
Having our own battle with the sticks!
Around 1700, the Sultan of Johor offered Singapore to a private English merchant John Hamilton, but he declined, as he felt that it was inappropriate for an individual to accept such an offer. Hamilton, however, did think that Singapore would make a good choice for an East India Company Station. It was not until over 100 years later that his estimate of Singapore’s potential was proven to be correct.
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