Region
History of Asia
Defining moments across the history of Asia.
CivilizationDomestication of Rice in the Yangtze Valleyc. 4000 BCE · Yangtze River Valley, ChinaRice cultivation begins in the Yangtze River valley, transforming East Asian agriculture and supporting massive population growth.
TechnologyIndustrialization of Sericulture in Ancient Chinac. 2600 BCE · Shaanxi Province, ChinaChinese artisans perfect the reeling and spinning of silk from silkworm cocoons.
CivilizationUrban Planning of Mohenjo-daroc. 2600 BCE · Mohenjo-daro, PakistanThe Indus Valley Civilization constructs Mohenjo-daro with advanced grid systems and the world's first known urban sanitation.
CivilizationUrbanization of Harappa and Mohenjo-daroc. 2600 BCE · Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, Indus Valley (modern Pakistan)The mature Harappan phase begins, establishing the first large-scale urban centers in South Asia with advanced grid planning.
TechnologyAdvanced Irrigation Systems of the Indus Valley Civilizationc. 2600 BCE · Harappa, PakistanEngineers construct sophisticated canal networks and water reservoirs for urban agriculture.
ReligionDiscovery of the Pashupati Sealc. 2500 BCE · Mohenjo-daro, Indus Valley (modern Pakistan)The Pashupati seal is carved, depicting a seated figure surrounded by animals, likely an early prototype of the Hindu god Shiva.
CivilizationProduction of Indus Valley Sealsc. 2500 BCE · Mohenjo-daro, Indus Valley (Modern Pakistan)Craftsmen carve intricate steatite seals featuring undeciphered script and animal motifs.
PoliticsFounding of the Indochinese Communist PartyFebruary 3, 1930 · Hong Kong (Vietnamese context)Ho Chi Minh unites communist factions to form the Indochinese Communist Party, aiming for Vietnamese independence from France.
PoliticsKorean March First MovementMarch 1, 1919 · Seoul, Korea (under Japanese rule)Mass non-violent protests erupt across Korea demanding independence from Japanese colonial rule.
DisasterCatastrophic Flooding at Mohenjo-Daroc. 1900 BCE · Mohenjo-Daro, Sindh, PakistanDevastating floods from the Indus River repeatedly buried and destroyed layers of Mohenjo-Daro, signaling the decline of the urban phase.
WarThe Indian Rebellion of 1857 BeginsMay 10, 1857 · Meerut, IndiaIndian sepoys mutiny against the British East India Company, sparking a widespread uprising across northern India.
PoliticsUva-Wellassa Rebellion Against British RuleMarch 1817 · Kandy, Sri LankaSinhalese chieftains lead a widespread uprising against British colonial expansion in the central highlands.
WarTay Son Rebellion Overthrows Le Dynasty1771 CE · Tay Son, VietnamThe Tay Son brothers launch a peasant revolt that overthrows the ruling dynasties.
WarFall of Ayutthaya to Burma1767 CE · Ayutthaya, ThailandBurmese forces sack and burn Ayutthaya, ending the kingdom after four centuries.
WarHideyoshi's First Invasion of Korea (Imjin War)1592 CE · Seoul (Hanyang), KoreaToyotomi Hideyoshi launches a massive invasion of Joseon Korea to conquer Ming China.
WarBattle of Nagashino: Introduction of Massed Firepower1575 CE · Nagashino, JapanOda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu use rotating arquebus volleys to defeat Takeda cavalry.
WarOda Nobunaga's Battle of Okehazama1560 CE · Okehazama, Aichi, JapanOda Nobunaga defeats a massive army of Imagawa Yoshimoto in a surprise attack.
PoliticsTran and Le Dynasties Split Vietnam (North-South Division)1533 CE · Hanoi / Hue, VietnamThe Mac Dynasty usurps the throne, leading to a prolonged civil war between North and South.
CivilizationArrival of Indo-Aryan Speakers in the Punjabc. 1500 BCE · Punjab Region (modern Pakistan/India)Indo-Aryan tribes migrate into the northwestern Indian subcontinent, introducing the Vedic Sanskrit language and horse culture.
ExplorationLapita Expansion into the Bismarck Archipelagoc. 1500 BCE · Bismarck Archipelago, Papua New GuineaLapita people migrate from Island Melanesia into the Bismarck Archipelago, establishing distinct pottery traditions.
WarDai Viet Annexation of Champa1471 CE · Vijaya (Quang Ngai), VietnamLe Thanh Tong destroys the Champa capital, ending its independence and absorbing its territory.
ExplorationEnd of Zheng He's Voyages and Ming Isolationism1433 CE · East Africa / China CoastThe Ming Dynasty halts the great naval expeditions and restricts maritime trade.
WarLam Son Uprising Begins Against Ming China1418 CE · Lam Son, Thanh Hoa, VietnamLe Loi launches a rebellion against Ming occupation, founding the Later Le Dynasty.
PoliticsFounding of Ayutthaya Kingdom1350 CE · Ayutthaya, ThailandU Thong establishes the capital at Ayutthaya, creating a powerful maritime and land empire.
PoliticsGajah Mada's Palapa Oath1336 CE · Trowulan, Java, IndonesiaPrime Minister Gajah Mada vows to unify the archipelago before tasting spices.
PoliticsAshikaga Takauji Establishes Muromachi Shogunate1336 CE · Kyoto, JapanAshikaga Takauji installs a new shogunate in Kyoto, beginning the Nanbokucho period.
ArtEstablishment of Lapita Pottery Traditionc. 1300 BCE · New Britain, Papua New GuineaLapita potters develop distinctive dentate-stamped decoration techniques that define their culture.
PoliticsRaden Wijaya Founding of Majapahit Empire1293 CE · Trowulan, Java, IndonesiaRaden Wijaya defeats the Mongol invaders and establishes the Majapahit Empire in East Java.
WarDai Viet Repels Third Mongol Invasion1288 CE · Bach Dang River, VietnamTran Hung Dao defeats the Mongol fleet using stakes and tidal knowledge at Bach Dang.
ReligionCompletion of Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks1251 CE · Haeinsa Temple, KoreaGoryeo completes the most complete Buddhist canon carved on woodblocks to repel Mongol invasion.
WarMongol Invasions of Goryeo Begin1231 CE · Seoul (Hanyang), KoreaMongol forces under General Saritai invade Goryeo, initiating decades of conflict and vassalage.
ReligionComposition of the Rigvedac. 1200 BCE · Punjab Region (modern Pakistan/India)The oldest layer of the Vedas is composed orally in Sanskrit, preserving hymns to deities like Indra and Agni.
ReligionJayavarman VII Adopts Mahayana Buddhismc. 1180 CE · Angkor Thom, CambodiaKing Jayavarman VII converts to Mahayana Buddhism and builds the Bayon temple complex.
ReligionConsecration of Angkor Watc. 1150 CE · Angkor Wat, CambodiaKing Suryavarman II dedicates the massive temple complex to Vishnu, marking a shift from Hinduism.
WarJingkang Incident and Fall of Northern Song1127 CE · Kaifeng, ChinaJurchen Jin forces capture the Song capital, abducting emperors and forcing the dynasty south.
WarChola Raid on Srivijaya1025 CE · Palembang, Sumatra (Srivijaya)Rajendra Chola I launches a naval raid destroying Srivijayan ports and disrupting trade.
WarGoryeo Repels Khitan Liao Invasion1018 CE · Pyongan Province, KoreaGeneral Gang Gam-chan defeats the Khitan Liao army at the Battle of Guichu River.
PoliticsEmperor Taizu Establishes the Song Dynasty960 CE · Kaifeng, ChinaZhao Kuangyin seizes power in the Chenqiao Mutiny, founding the Northern Song and centralizing authority.
WarHuang Chao Rebellion and Fall of Tang874 CE · Shandong Province, ChinaHuang Chao leads a massive peasant uprising that sacks Chang'an and destroys Tang authority.
PoliticsJayavarman II Declares Independence from Java802 CE · Mount Kulen, CambodiaJayavarman II performs the Devaraja ceremony, founding the Khmer Empire and declaring independence.
WarAn Lushan Rebellion Begins755 CE · Chang'an, ChinaGeneral An Lushan revolts against Emperor Xuanzong, devastating the Tang Dynasty and population.
WarBattle of Baekgang: Silla-Tang Victory over Japan663 CE · Geum River Mouth, KoreaSilla and Tang China destroy the Japanese fleet, ending Baekje restoration efforts.
PoliticsReign of Emperor Taizong and the Zhenguan Era626 CE · Chang'an, ChinaLi Shimin ascends the throne after the Xuanwu Gate Incident, ushering in a golden age of governance.
TechnologyGrand Canal of China Connects North and South610 CE · Luoyang to Hangzhou, ChinaEmperor Yang completes the massive waterway linking the Yellow and Yangtze rivers for transport and grain.
PoliticsRise of the Sixteen Mahajanapadasc. 600 BCE · Gangetic Plain (modern Uttar Pradesh/India)Sixteen great kingdoms and republics emerge across the Gangetic plain, marking the transition from tribal chiefdoms to state-level societies.
medicineSushruta Samhita: Foundation of Indian Surgery and Anatomyc. 600 BCE · Varanasi, IndiaSushruta documents advanced surgical techniques including rhinoplasty and cataract surgery.
PoliticsEmperor Wen Unifies China and Founding of Sui Dynasty581 CE · Chang'an, ChinaYang Jian usurps the Northern Zhou throne, ending centuries of division and establishing the Sui Dynasty.
ReligionBuddha Attains Enlightenmentc. 528 BCE · Bodh Gaya, IndiaSiddhartha Gautama achieves nirvana under the Bodhi tree founding Buddhism.
ReligionParinirvana of the Buddhac. 483 BCE · Kushinagar (modern Uttar Pradesh/India)Siddhartha Gautama passes away, entering final Nirvana and leaving his disciples with the Dharma to guide them.
ReligionFirst Buddhist Council at Rajgirc. 483 BCE · Rajgir (modern Bihar/India)Monks gather to recite and codify the Buddha's teachings after his death, preserving the Dharma for future generations.
PoliticsAscension of the Nanda Dynastyc. 345 BCE · Pataliputra (modern Patna/India)Mahapadma Nanda overthrows the Shishunaga dynasty, establishing a vast empire and creating the first large-scale state in India.
WarAlexander the Great Crosses the Indus Riverc. 326 BCE · Attock (modern Pakistan)Alexander crosses the Indus and defeats King Porus at the Battle of the Hydaspes, expanding his empire to the edge of South Asia.
PoliticsChandragupta Maurya Founding the Mauryan Empirec. 321 BCE · Pataliputra (modern Patna/India)Chandragupta Maurya defeats the Nanda Dynasty with the help of Chanakya, establishing India's first pan-continental empire.
WarMauryan Conquest of Gandharac. 305 BCE · Peshawar Valley, Gandhara, PakistanChandragupta Maurya defeats Seleucus Nicator, securing the vital Gandhara region and expanding the Mauryan Empire westward to the Hindu Kush.
WarKalinga War and Ashoka's Conversionc. 261 BCE · Kalinga (modern Odisha/India)Emperor Ashoka conquers Kalinga in a bloody war, leading to his profound conversion to Buddhism and adoption of non-violence.
ReligionInscription of Shahbaz Garhi Rock Edictsc. 257 BCE · Shahbaz Garhi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PakistanEmperor Ashoka inscribes his edicts on local rocks using the Kharosthi script to propagate Dharma among Greek and Aramaic-speaking populations.
ReligionErection of Ashoka's Major Rock Edictsc. 257 BCE · Girnar (modern Gujarat/India)Ashoka inscribes his moral and administrative policies on massive rock pillars across the empire to communicate with his subjects.
ReligionAshoka Propagates Dharma via Rock Edictsc. 250 BCE · Sarnath, IndiaEmperor Ashoka spreads Buddhist ethics and non-violence across the Mauryan Empire through inscribed stone pillars.
TechnologyErection of Ashoka's Polished Sandstone Pillars with Edictsc. 250 BCE · Sarnath, IndiaMauryan artisans carve and polish massive sandstone pillars with Brahmi script edicts.
PoliticsRise of the Satavahana Empirec. 230 BCE · Deccan Plateau (modern Maharashtra/India)The Satavahana Dynasty emerges in the Deccan, becoming a major power that controlled trade routes between northern and southern India.
PoliticsQin Shi Huang Unifies China221 BCE · Xianyang, Shaanxi, ChinaQin Shi Huang conquers warring states to create the first unified Chinese empire, standardizing script and currency.
PoliticsFall of Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms Period Begins220 CE · Chang'an, ChinaEmperor Xian abdicates, ending the Han Dynasty and fragmenting China into three rival kingdoms.
ArtBurial of Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Armyc. 210 BCE · Xi'an, ChinaEmperor Qin Shi Huang is buried with a massive army of life-sized terracotta soldiers to guard him in the afterlife.
WarBattle of Red Cliffs208 CE · Red Cliffs, Yangtze River, ChinaAlliance of Sun Quan and Liu Bei defeats Cao Cao's massive naval fleet using fire ships.
PoliticsSunga Dynasty Overthrows Mauryasc. 185 BCE · Pataliputra, Magadha, IndiaGeneral Pushyamitra Shunga assassinates the last Mauryan emperor Brihadratha, ending the Mauryan Empire and establishing the Shunga Dynasty.
PoliticsShunga Dynasty Overthrows Mauryasc. 185 BCE · Pataliputra (modern Patna/India)General Pushyamitra Shunga assassinates the last Mauryan emperor and establishes the Shunga Dynasty, reviving Brahmanical traditions.
PoliticsEstablishment of Indo-Greek Kingdom in Bactriac. 180 BCE · Bactria (modern Afghanistan)The Greco-Bactrian Kingdom expands into India under Demetrius I, creating a unique fusion of Greek and Indian art and culture.
WarMenander I Conquers Pataliputra regionc. 160 BCE · Begram to Pataliputra axisIndo-Greek King Menander I (Milinda) extends his empire deep into the Gangetic plain, challenging Shunga authority and spreading Hellenistic-Buddhist culture.
ReligionExpansion of the Great Stupa at Sanchic. 150 BCE · Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, IndiaThe Shunga Dynasty expands the original brick stupa into a massive stone structure, adding the first elaborate gateways and railings.
ExplorationOpening of the Silk Road by Zhang Qian138 BCE · Dunhuang, China (Departure)Emperor Wu sends Zhang Qian westward to ally with the Xiongnu, inadvertently opening trade routes connecting East and West.
PoliticsSatavahana Ascendancy in the Deccanc. 100 BCE · Pratishthana, Maharashtra, IndiaThe Satavahana dynasty consolidates power in the Deccan plateau, breaking away from Shunga dominance and becoming a major trade hub.
PoliticsKujula Kadphises Unifies the Kushansc. 30 BCE · Kabul Valley, AfghanistanKujula Kadphises unites the Yuezhi tribes to form the Kushan Empire, conquering the Indo-Greek territories and establishing control over Central Asia.
ReligionFourth Buddhist Council in Sri Lanka29 BCE · Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka)Theravada canon is committed to writing for the first time.
PoliticsEmperor Guangwu Restores the Han Dynasty (Eastern Han)25 CE · Luoyang, ChinaLiu Xiu defeats rival warlords and re-establishes Han rule from the new capital at Luoyang.
ReligionSpread of Buddhism along the Silk Road to Chinac. 100 CE · Kashgar, China (Gateway)Buddhist monks and merchants transmit the religion from India to China via Central Asian trade routes.
ReligionKanishka I Convenes the Fourth Buddhist Councilc. 100 CE · Kundalavana Monastery, KashmirEmperor Kanishka I sponsors the Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir, formalizing Mahayana Buddhism and commissioning massive stupa construction.
TechnologyRefinement of Papermaking by Cai Lun in Han China105 CE · Chang'an, ChinaCai Lun standardizes paper production using bark, hemp, rags, and fishing nets.
TechnologyZhang Heng's Seismoscope Invention (Revised Context)132 CE · Luoyang, ChinaZhang Heng creates the first device to detect distant earthquakes.
ArtCompletion of Great Stupas at Nagarjunakondac. 275 CE · Nagarjunakonda, Andhra Pradesh, IndiaThe Ikshvaku dynasty completes massive stone stupas and monasteries at Nagarjunakonda, showcasing the pinnacle of Deccan Buddhist art.
PoliticsFounding of the Gupta Empire by Chandragupta Ic. 320 CE · Pataliputra (modern Patna/India)Chandragupta I assumes the title of Maharajadhiraja, marking the beginning of the 'Golden Age' of India.
WarSamudragupta's Southern Campaigns and Allahabad Pillarc. 350 CE · Allahabad (modern Uttar Pradesh/India)Emperor Samudragupta conquers northern and southern India, recording his victories on the Allahabad Pillar.
ArtCreation of Mogao Caves Muralsc. 366 CE - ongoing · Dunhuang, ChinaArtists begin painting Buddhist murals in the cave complex on the Silk Road.
TechnologyCasting of the High-Corrosion Resistant Iron Pillar at Delhic. 400 CE · Delhi, IndiaIndian metallurgists forge a massive iron pillar that resists rust for over 1,600 years.
literatureCompilation of the Kama Sutrac. 400 CE · India (likely Pataliputra)Vatsyayana compiles the treatise on love, desire, and social conduct.
WarChandragupta II Defeats the Western Satrapsc. 409 CE · Malwa and Gujarat region, IndiaChandragupta II Vikramaditya defeats the Western Kshatrapas, annexing Gujarat and securing access to the lucrative Indian Ocean trade routes.
ScienceFounding of Nalanda Universityc. 450 CE · Rajgir, Bihar, IndiaKumaragupta I establishes Nalanda as a residential university, which becomes the world's first major center for higher learning and Buddhist scholarship.
PoliticsRise of Srivijaya as Maritime Hegemon683 CE · Palembang, Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)Srivijaya emerges as the dominant maritime empire controlling the Strait of Malacca.
PoliticsEmperor Xuanzong Ascends the Tang Throne712 CE · Chang'an, ChinaEmperor Xuanzong begins his reign, ushering in the High Tang golden age.
ArtTang Dynasty Golden Age of Poetry and Culturec. 713 CE · Chang'an, ChinaThe Tang Dynasty reaches its cultural zenith in Chang'an, producing legendary poets like Li Bai and Du Fu.
PoliticsFounding of Heian-kyo794 CE · Kyoto, JapanEmperor Kammu moves the capital to Heian-kyo, beginning the Heian period.
PoliticsJayavarman II Declares Khmer Independence802 CE · Phnom Kulen, CambodiaJayavarman II proclaims himself a universal monarch, founding the Khmer Empire.
TechnologyDiscovery of Gunpowder by Tang Dynasty Alchemistsc. 850 CE · Chang'an, ChinaTang alchemists accidentally discover gunpowder while seeking an elixir of immortality.
ExplorationKorean Tribute Trade with China918 CE · Sungnyemun Gate (Kaesong), KoreaGoryeo establishes formal tributary relations with the Song Dynasty.
PoliticsRajaraja I's Naval Campaigns against the Cholasc. 985 CE · Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, IndiaRajaraja Chola I ascends the throne and initiates a massive naval expansion that will soon dominate the Bay of Bengal.
PoliticsSrivijaya-Song Peace Treaty990 CE · Palembang, Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)Formal diplomatic recognition between Srivijaya and Song China.
WarChola Conquest of Sri Lankac. 993 CE · Anuradhapura, Sri LankaRajaraja Chola launches a massive amphibious invasion of Sri Lanka, defeating the Sinhalese kingdom and annexing the island.
PoliticsSrivijaya at its Zenithc. 1000 CE · Palembang, Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)Srivijaya controls the Strait of Malacca and dominates regional trade.
ArtConsecration of the Brihadeeswarar Templec. 1010 CE · Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, IndiaRajaraja Chola I completes the colossal Brihadeeswarar Temple, an architectural marvel dedicated to Shiva that defines Dravidian style.
ArtCompletion of the Brihadeeswarar Templec. 1010 CE · Thanjavur (modern Tamil Nadu/India)Rajaraja Chola I completes the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple, a marvel of Dravidian architecture and engineering.
WarRajendra Chola I's Ganges Expeditionc. 1025 CE · Bengal to Ganges Delta, IndiaRajendra Chola I leads a northern expedition reaching the Ganges River, defeating Pala kings and bringing holy water back to Thanjavur.
WarChola Invasion of Srivijayac. 1025 CE · Palembang, Sumatra, IndonesiaRajendra Chola I launches a naval raid on the Srivijaya Empire, disrupting its control over the Strait of Malacca and securing trade routes.
ExplorationChola Naval Expedition to Southeast Asia1025 CE · Java and Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)Chola fleet raids coastal cities across the archipelago.
WarRajendra Chola I's Expedition to Southeast Asiac. 1025 CE · Kedah (modern Malaysia)Chola Emperor Rajendra I launches a massive naval raid on Srivijaya, projecting Indian power across the Bay of Bengal.
ExplorationChola Naval Expedition Against Srivijaya1025 CE · Palembang, Sumatra, IndonesiaRajaraja Chola I's navy raids Srivijaya to secure Indian Ocean trade routes.
WarMahmud of Ghazni's Sack of Somnathc. 1026 CE · Somnath, Gujarat, IndiaMahmud of Ghazni leads a raid on the Somnath Temple, destroying the structure and looting its immense wealth to fund his empire.
PoliticsPost-Chola War Reorganization1035 CE · Palembang, Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)Srivijaya reorganizes its administration after Chola raids.
DisasterSealing of the Dunhuang Library Cavec. 1035 CE · Dunhuang, ChinaMonks seal a cave containing thousands of ancient manuscripts for protection.
TechnologyMagnetic Compass Application for Navigation in Song Chinac. 1040 CE · Kaifeng, ChinaSong dynasty engineers create the first magnetic compass for maritime navigation.
PoliticsDecline of Srivjaya1079 CE · Palembang, Sumatra (Modern Indonesia)Internal strife and external pressure weaken Srivijaya's control.
ScienceComposition of the Mitakshara Law Codec. 1100 CE · Kalyan (modern Karnataka/India)Vijnaneshwara writes the Mitakshara, a seminal commentary on Hindu law that influences legal systems across India.
architectureConstruction of Angkor Wat Beginsc. 1113 CE · Angkor, CambodiaKing Suryavarman II begins building Angkor Wat as a Hindu temple complex dedicated to Vishnu.
tradePeak of the Maritime Silk Road under Song Dynastyc. 1127 CE · Hankou, ChinaThe Song Dynasty establishes a global maritime trade network connecting China to East Africa.
WarHogen Rebellion1156 CE · Kyoto, JapanCivil war between rival imperial factions leads to the rise of samurai power.
ReligionJayavarman VII Converts to Mahayana Buddhism1181 CE · Angkor Thom, CambodiaJayavarman VII adopts Mahayana Buddhism and builds Bayon.
WarGhurid Conquest of Delhic. 1192 CE · Delhi, IndiaMuhammad of Ghor defeats Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain, establishing Muslim rule over North India.
ArtConstruction of Qutub Minar Beginsc. 1199 CE · Delhi, IndiaQutb-ud-din Aibak begins construction of the Qutub Minar, a victory tower symbolizing the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate.
PoliticsFounding of the Delhi Sultanate by Qutb-ud-din Aibakc. 1206 CE · Delhi (modern India)Qutb-ud-din Aibak declares independence from the Ghurids and establishes the first Muslim Sultanate in India.
WarMongol Invasion of Khwarezmiac. 1219 CE · Urgench, Khwarazm (modern Uzbekistan/Turkmenistan)Genghis Khan launches a massive invasion of the Khwarezmian Empire, destroying its cities and ending Persian dominance in Central Asia.
WarMongol Invasion of Goryeo Begins1231 CE · Seoul (Kaesong), KoreaMongol forces under Sartai invade Goryeo, initiating decades of conflict.
WarMongol Invasion of the Delhi Sultanatec. 1241 CE · Lahore (modern Pakistan)Mongol forces under Tarmashirin invade the Punjab and sack Lahore, testing the defenses of the Delhi Sultanate.
PoliticsKublai Khan Establishes Yuan Dynasty1271 CE · Dadu (Beijing), ChinaKublai Khan declares the Yuan Dynasty, unifying China under Mongol rule.
WarMongol Invasion of Japan (Kamikaze)1281 CE · Hakata Bay (Fukuoka), JapanA typhoon destroys the second Mongol invasion fleet.
PoliticsFoundation of the Khalji Dynastyc. 1290 CE · Delhi, IndiaJalal-ud-din Khalji overthrows the Mamluk dynasty, establishing the first Afghan-dominated Sultanate in Delhi.
ExplorationPeak of the Silk Road Trade via Central Asiac. 1300 CE · Samarkand (modern Uzbekistan)The Silk Road reaches a peak of connectivity under the Mongol Pax Mongolica, facilitating trade between China and Europe.
ArtCreation of the Goryeo Buddhist Paintingsc. 1300 CE · Korea (Goryeo Dynasty)Court artists create intricate paintings of Amitabha Buddha for royal rituals.
PoliticsGhiyas-ud-din Tughlaq Founding of Tughlaqabadc. 1320 CE · Delhi, IndiaGhiyas-ud-din Tughlaq usurps the throne and founds the massive fortified city of Tughlaqabad to secure his dynasty's power.
PoliticsMuhammad bin Tughlaq Moves Capital to Daulatabadc. 1327 CE · Daulatabad, Maharashtra, IndiaIn a controversial move, Muhammad bin Tughlaq forces the migration of Delhi's population to Daulatabad to better control southern territories.
PoliticsFounding of the Bahmani Sultanatec. 1347 CE · Gulbarga, Karnataka, IndiaAla-ud-Din Bahman declares independence from the Delhi Sultanate, establishing the first major Muslim kingdom in the Deccan.
WarBattle of Siem Reap (Khmer-Siamese War)1352 CE · Siem Reap, CambodiaSiam attacks Angkor, leading to the eventual decline of the Khmer Empire.
WarRise of Timur (Tamerlane) and Conquest of Delhi1398 CE · Delhi, IndiaTimur invades the Delhi Sultanate, sacking the city and temporarily ending Mamluk rule in Northern India.
WarTimur's Sack of Delhic. 1398 CE · Delhi, IndiaTimur (Tamerlane) invades the Delhi Sultanate, defeating the Tughlaqs and massacring the city's population before retreating.
ExplorationZheng He's First Voyage BeginsJuly 11, 1405 CE · Nanjing, ChinaChinese admiral leads massive fleet to Southeast Asia and Africa projecting Ming power.
WarMing Conquest of Dai Viet (Fourth Era)1407 CE · Hanoi (Thang Long), VietnamMing forces capture the Ho Dynasty and annex Vietnam.
WarLe Dynasty Restoration (Lam Son Uprising)1418 CE · Lam Son (Thanh Hoa, Vietnam)Le Loi initiates the Lam Son Uprising against Ming occupation.
WarMing Occupation of Vietnam Ends1427 CE · Dong Da (Hanoi), VietnamLe Loi defeats the Ming army at Dong Da, ending occupation.
PoliticsLe Loi Crowned Emperor of Dai Viet1428 CE · Hanoi (Thang Long), VietnamLe Loi is crowned Le Thai To, founding the Later Le Dynasty.
WarFall of Angkor Thom to Ayutthaya1431 CE · Angkor Thom, CambodiaAyutthaya forces sack Angkor Thom, leading to the empire's relocation.
ExplorationVasco da Gama Reaches India via Sea RouteMay 20, 1498 · Kozhikode (Calicut), IndiaPortuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrives in India, bypassing Ottoman land routes.
ReligionFounding of Sikhism by Guru Nanakc. 1499 CE · Nankana Sahib, PakistanGuru Nanak proclaims unity of God and equality of all humans in Punjab.
WarBabur's Victory at Panipat and Founding of Mughalsc. 1526 CE · Panipat (modern Haryana/India)Babur defeats the Lodi Sultanate at the First Battle of Panipat, establishing the Mughal Empire in India.
WarBabur's Victory at Khanwac. 1527 CE · Khanwa, Rajasthan, IndiaBabur defeats the Rajput confederacy led by Rana Sanga, consolidating Mughal rule over North India.
WarBattle of Talikota and Fall of Vijayanagarac. 1565 CE · Talikota, Karnataka, IndiaThe Deccan Sultanates defeat the Vijayanagara Empire in a decisive battle, leading to the sack of Hampi and the empire's collapse.
PoliticsFounding of Fatehpur Sikric. 1571 CE · Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaAkbar establishes Fatehpur Sikri as the new capital of the Mughal Empire to honor his spiritual guide and centralize administration.
ArtConstruction of the Taj Mahal Beginsc. 1632 CE · Agra, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaShah Jahan commissions the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, initiating one of history's greatest architectural projects.
PoliticsShivaji Maharaj Coronation and Maratha Empirec. 1674 CE · Raigad Fort (modern Maharashtra/India)Chhatrapati Shivaji is crowned as the sovereign ruler of the Marathas, establishing an independent Hindu kingdom against Mughal dominance.
ReligionBirth of Bulleh Shahc. 1680 CE · Uch (modern Pakistan)The birth of Bulleh Shah, a pivotal Sufi poet who challenged religious orthodoxy and promoted universal love.
WarAurangzeb's Decades-Long Deccan Campaignc. 1681 CE · Deccan Plateau, IndiaEmperor Aurangzeb moves his court to the Deccan for a prolonged military campaign against the Marathas and Sultanates.
WarNader Shah Sacks Delhi and Takes Peacock Thronec. 1739 CE · Delhi, IndiaPersian ruler Nader Shah invades the Mughal Empire, defeating the army at Karnal and looting Delhi, taking the Peacock Throne.
ArtCreation of The Great Wave off Kanagawac. 1831 CE · Kanagawa, JapanHokusai produces iconic woodblock print influencing Western art movements.
ArtPublication of Hokusai's Great Wavec. 1831 CE · Edo (Tokyo), JapanKatsushika Hokusai releases the iconic woodblock print of Mount Fuji.
WarFirst Opium War BeginsSeptember 4, 1839 · Guangzhou, ChinaBritain forces open Chinese trade via war, beginning the Century of Humiliation.
DisasterGreat Famine of India (1876-1878)November 1, 1876 · Southern IndiaDrought and British policy cause mass starvation in India.
ArtFounding of the Bengal School of Artc. 1905 CE · Calcutta (Kolkata), IndiaAbanindranath Tagore pioneers a new indigenous Indian art style.
WarAtomic Bombing of HiroshimaAugust 6, 1945 CE · Hiroshima, JapanUS drops the first nuclear weapon on a city, ending WWII and starting the atomic age.
TechnologyLaunch of Sputnik 1October 4, 1957 · Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan (USSR)Soviet Union launches first artificial satellite, starting the Space Age.