The Khmer Empire (802–1431)
Cambodia's history begins with one of the most powerful and sophisticated civilizations that ever existed in Southeast Asia.
Foundation and Rise
In 802 AD, King Jayavarman II declared himself the "universal ruler" (Devaraja — god-king) on Mount Phnom Kulen and founded the Khmer Empire. What followed was an unprecedented rise: Over the next 600 years, the Khmer built an empire that at times stretched from Myanmar to Vietnam and from southern China to the Malay Peninsula.
Angkor's Golden Era (10th–13th Century)
The heart of the empire was Angkor. At its peak in the 12th century, it was the largest pre-industrial city in the world — recent satellite images show an area of over 1,000 km² with up to a million inhabitants. By comparison, London had 20,000 inhabitants at the same time.
The Khmer kings built not only temples but a water management system that was centuries ahead of its time: Huge reservoirs (Barays), canals, and irrigation systems enabled up to four rice harvests per year and fed the population. The most important kings:
- Suryavarman II (1113–1150): Builder of Angkor Wat — the largest religious structure in human history.
- Jayavarman VII (1181–1218): The greatest of all Khmer kings. After a devastating attack by the Cham from Vietnam, he built Angkor Thom, the Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Chhmar, and hundreds of hospitals and rest stations. He was the first Buddhist king (his predecessors were Hindus).
Decline and Fall
After Jayavarman VII, a slow decline began. Religious conflicts (Hindu vs. Buddhist), exhaustion from monumental constructions, climate changes (droughts disrupted the irrigation system), and repeated attacks by the Thai weakened the empire. In 1431, the Siamese (Thai) conquered Angkor, and the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Angkor sank into the jungle and was only "rediscovered" by European explorers in the 19th century.
