Po Rome

Po Rome (?–1651), also spelled Po Romê, Po Romé or Po Ramo, was the king of Champa ruled from 1627 to 1651.

Po Rome
Ruler of Champa
Po Rome Temple
King of Champa
Reign	1627–1651
Predecessor	Po Klaong Mah Nai
Successor	Po Nraup
Born	? Champa
Died	1651 Phú Yên
Spouse	Bia Than Cih Bia Than Can Bia Ut
Issue	Po Saut Po Saktiraydapatih
Names Po Rome

Po Rome was a Churu chief, originally from present-day Đơn Dương District, Lâm Đồng Province.[1] Prior to his ascent to the throne, he had stayed in Kelantan for several years.[2] He succeeded the throne in 1627. He subdued both Hindu and Muslim factions, forced peace between Chams communities.[1]

King Po Rome built dams and canals to nurture agriculture in Phan Rang basin.[1] During his reign, Champa traded with Siam, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Malay, and even the Western countries including France and Portugal.[3] Champa also raided the areas occupied by Nguyễn lord. Vietnamese Phú Yên governor Văn Phong (文封, he was a Chams) revolted against Nguyễn lord in 1629, but was put down by general Nguyễn Hữu Vinh (阮有榮).[4] In the same year, Po Rome married Nguyễn Phúc Ngọc Khoa (阮福玉誇), daughter of Vietnamese lord Nguyễn Phúc Nguyên.[5]

In 1651, Po Rome died of wounds in Phú Yên during an outbreak of hostilities between Chams locals and Việt immigrants. His elder brother Po Nraup succeeded.[1]

The current Sakawi Cham standard with its origins based on the Saka Raja standard of the Cham calendar was also likely instituted during the reign of Po Rome.[6]

Chams people were sad to hear his death. They built a temple for him, the Po Rome Temple located at Ninh Phước district, Ninh Thuận province.