Majapahit's Spice Trade: How Pepper and Cloves Built an Empire

Majapahit: The Empire That Once Ruled Indonesia — Fexingo History · Jul 31, 2026 · 4m · transcript

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the maritime trade that fueled Majapahit's golden age. Discover how Javanese ports like Tuban and Gresik became hubs for cloves, nutmeg, and pepper from the eastern archipelago. Learn about the massive jong ships that crossed the Indian Ocean, the role of the syahbandar harbor masters, and how Chinese porcelain and Indian textiles flowed in exchange. The conversation also examines the economic shifts after the Paregreg civil war, as Islamic ports like Demak began to eclipse Majapahit's coastal network. A rich look at the commerce that…