The 15th, 16th and 17th centuries seem to have been dominated by the Western Europe region. But that’s not to say that other regions were not undergoing highly significant experiences during this time period. Some of the most influential years in the history of our region, Southeast Asia, occurred during these years. For instance, this time period was one of great transition for Southeast Asia. In previous years, Southeast Asia was a remote region, unknown to the majority of the world. However, in the Age of Exploration, Southeast Asia was first discovered at the turn of the 15th century. Perhaps the most influential to this discovery was Vasco de Gama, and his rounding of the Cape of Good Hope in Southern Africa in 1498.

Although not actually reaching the Southeast Asia region, de Gama opened up a route for explorers and colonizers to reach our region for centuries to come. Portugal was the first country to colonize Southeast Asia, later followed by Spain, France and more. Both the Dutch East India Company and the British East India company had strong impacts on our region within this time period. In the early 16th century and for years to come, Southeast Asia transitioned from being a distant, undiscovered region, to being a hot spot for trading and colonizing by the Europeans.

The terms “travel” and “technology” run hand in hand with each other for Southeast Asia during this time period. Due to its geographic location, the region’s top two qualities are agriculture and maritime trade. The lush, tropical soil of the peninsula, occupied today by countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and more, made it possible for extraordinary agriculture. This extensive farming gave way to agricultural technology, such as immigration systems and unique farming tools. Further east and south of this peninsula, vast and numerous island archipelagos led to immense maritime trade. Prior to being discovered by the Europeans, up through the 1400’s, the region stood alone in its corner of the world. However, people of the region could still traverse rivers and seas using their own maritime technology. Boats and ships unique to Southeast Asia dominated the technology of the time period, inducing the usage of many trade routes within the region. Once discovered and colonized by the Europeans, Southeast Asians could use this technology to travel to distant regions. Voyages on Southeast Asian ships stretched as far as Britain and France in Western Europe. These voyages were the first ones for centuries to come, enabling the region of Southeast Asia to become what it is today.