In 1293 the Mongols landed on Java expecting an easy conquest — and were tricked, ambushed, and sent home by a Javanese prince who then founded an empire. Majapahit would unite more of the Indonesian archipelago than any state before or since, under a prime minister who swore an oath not to taste spice until it was done.
Trowulan ★ Sumatra Malay Peninsula Moluccas New Guinea Bali Greatest extent — stylized map 1293 Wijaya founds Majapahit 1336 Oath of Palapa 1365 Nagarakretagama — 98 tributaries 1389 Hayam Wuruk dies — Paregreg 1527 Demak takes the heartland Rise · zenith · fall The rise The founding is pure audacity. When Kublai Khan's punitive expedition landed in 1293, Prince Wijaya allied with the Mongols against his Javanese rival — then turned on them, ambushing the expeditionary force and driving it back to its ships. He crowned himself the same year and named his kingdom Majapahit, after the bitter maja fruit. The Mongols never came back.
