The Malacca Sultanate was a powerful maritime kingdom in Southeast Asia, founded in the early 15th century. It played a crucial role in trade between the East and West, attracting merchants from various regions. The sultanate's strategic location along the Strait of Malacca allowed it to control shipping routes and become a center for commerce and culture. Under the leadership of its first sultan, Parameswara, the Malacca Sultanate expanded its influence through diplomacy and military strength. It became a hub for the spread of Islam in the region, establishing a legacy that shaped the cultural and political landscape of Southeast Asia.