Iberian intrigue in the Kampuchean court

A fascinating episode of late sixteenth century Southeast Asian history that I have just come across: see Diogo Veloso and Blas Ruiz.

For greater depth, read Chapter 14, A History of South-East Asia (fourth edition 1981), by D.G.E. Hall.

Southeast Asia and Singapore: Crossroads of world civilizations

It is remarkable, but unremarked  upon(in my experience), that Southeast Asia is at the crossroads of the four major civilizations of the world: Christian, Islamic, Indic and Sinic.

The four civilizations exercice their dominent influence in the following countries:

1. Christian (Roman Catholic): The Philippines (except Mindanao), East Timor

2. Islamic: Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Mindanao (Philippines)


3. Indic
    a. Theravada Buddhism:  Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia.
    b. Hinduism: Bali (Indonesia)

4. Sinic: Vietnam, Singapore

Singapore, uniquely in Southeast Asia, shows the strong presence of all four civilizations.