Angkor Established as Capital

Timeline

1. 889–900Angkor · CambodiaYasovarman I moved the capital from Hariharalaya (Roluos) to Angkor, choosing high ground on the Tonlé Sap's northern shore for the new capital. The decision placed the political center in an agricultural and trade hub, laying the foundation for centuries of Khmer imperial capital continuity.
2. 900–950East Mebon · CambodiaAfter the move, large-scale hydraulic works such as the East and West Barays and sacred-mountain temples like East Mebon were built, planning the capital's space according to Hindu cosmology. Hydraulic agriculture supported population growth and temple architecture established royal sacredness, making Angkor an imperial capital with both administrative and religious functions.
3. 950–1000Angkor · CambodiaThrough the mid-to-late 10th century, successive rulers continued expanding the capital and temples at Angkor, its capital status unshakable. Angkor's standing as the political and cultural symbol of the Khmer Empire was established; though secondary capitals occasionally appeared, the core capital function persisted into the 15th century.