The Majapahit Empire was a Javanese Hindu-Buddhist thalassocratic empire in Southeast Asia established in the late 13th century in eastern Java. it grew to be one of Southeast Asia's most significant empires under the rule of Hayam Wuruk and his prime minister, Gajah Mada, during the 14th century. It reached its zenith of power, stretching its influence from modern-day Indonesia to parts of the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and beyond. Majapahit is renowned for its maritime dominance, trade networks, and rich cultural amalgamation, characterized by Hindu-Buddhist influences, intricate art, and architecture.

Internal disputes, succession crises, and external pressures initiated the empire's decline in the 15th century. As regional Islamic powers started to ascend, notably the Sultanate of Malacca, Majapahit's influence began to wane. The empire's territorial control shrunk, mostly confining to East Java, with several regions proclaiming independence or shifting allegiance.