Raden Wijaya (known also as Nararya Sangramawijaya) was the founder of the Majapahit Empire. Apart from being remembered as the man who established the Majapahit Empire, Raden Wijaya is also known for his victory (through cunning and deceit) over a Mongol expeditionary force sent by the Yuan Dynasty of China to the island of Java. After Raden Wijaya defeated the powerful army of Kublai Khan in an unexpected way he secured his footing as a strong ruler. The Majapahit Empire: The Short Life of an Empire that Once Defeated the Mongols Kublai Khan: Mongol Warrior, Horseman, Hunter and Powerful Emperor Naming an Empire The Majapahit Empire was founded in 1293/1294 AD, with the ascension of its first king, Raden Wijaya, to the throne. As the ruler of this empire, he was known by his royal title as Kertarajasa Jayawardhana. The heart of the empire was located on the Indonesian island of Java, specifically in its eastern part. There is a story concerning how this maritime empire got its name. Read moreSection: NewsHistoryFamous PeopleRead Later