Southeast Asia Historical Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the history and culture of Southeast Asia as outlined in the lecture notes.

Southeast Asia

A geographical region that includes countries located southeast of Asia, characterized by diverse cultures, histories, and ecosystems.

Rice Agriculture

The cultivation of rice, which began in Southeast Asia around 2000-1500 BC, becoming a staple crop and crucial to early community sustenance.

Ban Chiang Site

An archaeological site in Northeast Thailand that provides the earliest evidence of farming and bronze tool use around 1500 BC.

Iron Age Communities

Societies that emerged around 500 BC, characterized by the use of iron technology and large population centers due to intensified agriculture.

Noen U-Loke

An archaeological site in Northeastern Thailand known for excavated graves from 400 BC to 600 AD, highlighting burial practices and metalwork.

Dong Son Culture

A cultural period in Vietnam from ca. 1000 BC to 45 AD, known for producing bronze artifacts and complex societal structures.

Monsoon Trade

Maritime trade routes influenced by seasonal monsoon winds, enabling trade between Southeast Asia and the Arabian Peninsula.

Divine Kingship

A political and religious practice where kings are believed to be chosen by gods, legitimizing their authority through spiritual connections.

Mekong Valley Kingdoms

Ancient states that flourished in lowland areas along the Mekong River, known for their prosperity and complex urban development.

Angkor Wat

The largest religious monument in the world, originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and later transformed into a Buddhist temple complex.

Khmer Empire

An ancient empire that thrived in Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries, known for architectural achievements and agrarian society.

Climate Impact on Angkor

Factors such as drought, hydraulic engineering failures, and warfare that contributed to the collapse of the Angkor civilization.