Early accounts tell us that Singapore may have been founded by Sang Utama and grew into a thriving trading center under his descendants, according to the Malay Annals. Wang Dayuan's account from 1330-1340 also describes Singapore as a bustling port. Archaeological evidence, including Chinese porcelain and coins dating back to the 14th-15th centuries, supports that Singapore was an important trading hub, though some dispute remains about how much is legend. After the 15th century, Singapore lost importance as a trading port after its ruler was driven out by the king of Siam.

1. Chapter 1

2. What do early accounts tell
about Pre - 1819 Singapore?

3. 3 sources to determine the
answer
1. Sejarah Melayu
2. Wang DaYuan’s account
3. Archaeological Evidence

4. Sejarah Melayu/Malay
Annals
 Tells the story of how Sang Utama
founded Temasek.
 Refer to comic in page 3 on textbook.
 According to Sejarah Melayu, Singapura
grew into a thriving trading centre under
the wise leadership of Sang Utama and
his descendents but is also a source of
envy to its more powerful neighbouring
kingdom, the Majapahit Empire in Java.

5. Sejarah Melayu/Malay
Annals
 Some historian claim that the great
trading city of Singapura was probably a
legend.

6. Wang DaYuan’s account
 His book, Dao Yi Zhi Lue(Description of
the Barbarians of the Isles) enables us
to know more about life in early
Singapore.
 According to Wang DaYuan’s
account, Singapura was a bustling
trading centre in 1330s and 1340s which
supports the description in the Sejarah
Melayu that Singapura was a
prosperous trading centre.

7. Archaeological Evidence
 Using artefacts, we can find out if
Singapore was a vibrant trading city as
early as 14th Century.

8. Archaeological Evidence
 Blue and white porcelain from the
Emperor Wanli Period (1573-1619)

9. Archaeological Evidence
 Other objects such as a compass, wine
cups and coins from china.
 Until today, more than 30,000 piece of
artefact have been recovered.

10. What happened to Singapore
after the 15th Century?
 Towards the end of 14th
Century, Parameswara murdered the
local ruler and made himself new ruler of
Singapura. Few years
later, Parameswara was driven away
ordered by the king of Siam.
 After this attack, Singapura lost its
importance as a trading port.