For readers of Majapahit (Herald van der Linde) and The Golden Road (William Dalrymple) – a sweeping narrative history of Srivijaya, the great maritime empire that dominated the trade routes of Southeast Asia and connected Indonesia with China, India and the wider world for centuries.

Long before Majapahit rose to greatness, Srivijaya controlled the sea routes between India and China. Discover Srivijaya, Indonesia’s first maritime empire.

Every ship that passed through the Strait of Malacca added to Srivijaya’s wealth, funding magnificent temples, nurturing great centres of Buddhist learning and giving rise to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument ever built.

Journey through a vibrant world of Chinese monks, Arab sailors, Tamil merchants, pirates, warrior-kings and brilliant princesses. Explore the thriving ports of Sumatra and Kedah, walk the volcanic landscapes of Java and visit the royal courts where diplomacy, marriage and war shaped the destiny of Indonesia. Then witness the dramatic arrival of the mighty Chola empire from southern India, whose devastating naval raids brought Srivijaya’s golden age to an end.

Blending meticulous research with vivid storytelling, Herald van der Linde brings to life one of history’s greatest – and least understood – maritime empires.