Singaporean curator and scholar, Peter Lee, explores the history of four Southeast Asian empires that made their mark on the world in The Mark Of Empire. Travelling from Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia to Indonesia, Peter explores ancient ruins, epic legends and vibrant traditions to chart the rise and fall of these distinct empires, and how their legacy still shapes cultures and identities in the region today.
The four, hour-long documentaries began its run on 3 May with a telecast at 9pm (SIN/KL/MNL). Watch the show on demand on CNA. Below are the breakdowns of each episode of the series.
Ep
1: Ayutthaya, Thailand
Premiere: Sunday, 3 May
500 years ago, Ayutthaya was one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities. Peter charts its transformation from backwater state to global superpower.
Ep
2: Bagan, Myanmar
Premiere: Sunday, 10 May
The Bagan Empire united Myanmar about 900 years ago and transformed it into a
world centre of Buddhism. Explore how this ancient empire grew and how its
legacy still echoes in the modern nation.
Ep
3: Angkor, Cambodia
Premiere: Sunday, 17 May
Peter visits Angkor to discover how, a thousand years ago, the ancient Khmer overcame nature to thrive, leaving behind iconic ruins that lie at the heart of Cambodian identity.
Ep
4: Majapahit, Indonesia
Premiere: Sunday, 24 May
700 years ago, the Majapahit united Indonesia’s isles to found a trading empire whose networks stretched across the globe. Peter’s journey charts its milestones and enduring legacy.
