zoom_in Click to enlarge

Champa

▲ ▼

description Champa Overview

Champa was a group of Cham-speaking polities along the coast of central and southern Vietnam, rather than a single continuously centralized state. Its history began in the early centuries CE and was shaped by maritime trade, Indian religious and political influences, and repeated conflict and negotiation with neighboring Đại Việt and Khmer states. Cham inscriptions, temples, and tower sanctuaries, including the Mỹ Sơn complex, are among the surviving evidence of Champa's culture.

help Champa FAQ

Where was Champa located?

Champa occupied parts of central and southern coastal Vietnam. It was a collection of Cham political centers that existed from roughly the 2nd century until the 17th century.

What religion and architecture are associated with Champa?

Champa was strongly influenced by Hinduism, especially the worship of Shiva, while Buddhism was also present. The brick towers at My Son Sanctuary are among the best-known surviving examples of Cham religious architecture.

Was Champa one unified empire?

Champa is better understood as a group of related Cham polities than as one permanently centralized empire. Its political centers changed over time while sharing language, culture, religion, and maritime connections.

What happened to Champa after the 15th century?

The Đại Việt capture of Vijaya in 1471 dealt a major blow to Champa's northern political power. Cham communities and smaller southern polities survived afterward, but Champa no longer dominated the central Vietnamese coast.

swap_horiz

Looking for Champa alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward