Po Rome
Po Rome, also spelled Po Romê, Po Romé or Po Ramo, was the king of Champa ruled from 1627 to 1651.
Po Rome was a Churu chief, originally from present-day Đơn Dương District, Lâm Đồng Province. Prior to his ascent to the throne, he had stayed in Kelantan for several years. He succeeded the throne in 1627. He subdued both Hindu and Muslim factions, forced peace between Cham communities.
Po Rome built dams and canals to nurture agriculture in Phan Rang basin. During his reign, Champa traded with Siam, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Malay, and even the Western countries including France and Portugal. Champa also raided the areas occupied by Nguyễn lord. Vietnamese Phú Yên governor Văn Phong revolted against Nguyễn lord in 1629, but was put down by general Nguyễn Hữu Vinh. In the same year, Po Rome married Nguyễn Phúc Ngọc Khoa, daughter of Vietnamese lord Nguyễn Phúc Nguyên.
In 1651, Po Rome died of wounds in Phú Yên during an outbreak of hostilities between Cham locals and Việt immigrants. His elder brother Po Nraup succeeded.
Cham people were sad to hear his death. They built a temple for him. Po Rome Temple located at Ninh Phước District, Ninh Thuận Province.
