"Melaka, the most historical town in Malaysia." Melaka by Askla

Melaka was founded by Parameswara (also known as Iskandar Shah), a Palembang (nowadays Sumatra) prince who fled from enemies and came to Temasik (ancient Singapore). From there he had to fly once again and now came to the spot where he eventually founded his own town and also kingdom, which he called Melaka because that was the name of the tree on the shore where he had landed.
It is more difficult, though, to determine when it was founded, historians place the foundation to between 1376 and 1400, but according to celebrations held in August 1990 as the 600th anniversary, one has to say it was founded in 1390.

The city grew rapidly, and within fifty years it had become a wealthy and powerful hub of international commerce, with a population of over 50,000.
Midway along the straits that linked China to India and the Near East, Melaka was perfectly positioned as a centre for maritime trade. The city became known worldwide as a centre for the trade of silk and porcelain from China, textiles from Gujarat and Coromandel in India, camphor from Borneo, sandalwood from Timor, nutmeg, mace, and cloves from the Moluccas, gold and pepper from Sumatra, and tin from western Malaya.

A replica of the old trade ships from 16-17th cent

The Portuguese soon recognized the strategic location and in 1511, they became the first foreigners to rule Melaka. The Dutch followed in 1641 and in 1824, Melaka was handed over to Britain who kept it until the proclamation of Independence by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra on February 20, 1956 (except for the Japanese occupation 1942-45 during the WW II). Melaka was the first part of Malaya to become liberated, the rest of Malaya had to wait until August 31, 1957. Later, in 1963, it all became Malaysia.

Melaka is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since July 2008.