Latest / The Srivijaya Empire: Southeast Asia's Forgotten Maritime Superpower — Fexingo History
Srivijaya's Iron Industry: The Forgotten Technology
We often picture Srivijaya as a maritime empire built on trade and tribute, but what about the iron that held it together? This episode dives into the empire's iron industry, centered in the forests of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Drawing on archaeological finds from sites like Sungai Lang and the Batang Hari river basin, we explore how local smiths produced high-quality iron for tools, weapons, and shipbuilding. We discuss the trade in iron ore from sources like the Kinta Valley, and the role of the Orang Laut in transporting raw materials. The episode also touches on the mysterious…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.