Precursor Settlements of Angkor Thom

Timeline

1. 800–900Roluos · CambodiaMonarchs such as Indravarman I built early brick and stone temples like the Preah Ko and the Bakong at Roluos, marking the beginning of the Khmer state's temple-city tradition.
2. 900–1000Yasodharapura · CambodiaYasodharavarman I moved the capital to the Angkor Wat area, building the East Baray temple and a vast reservoir, forming the prototype of a religious city laid out along the hydraulic system.
3. 1021–1030Angkor region · Siem Reap ProvinceUnder Suryavarman I, Khmer power expanded toward the lower Mekong; temple repairs and population concentration continued in the Angkor region, accumulating manpower and engineering technology for the later super-sized capital.
4. 1100–1200Around Angkor Wat · CambodiaSuryavarman II built Angkor Wat, bringing the capital's scale and religious architecture to their peak; the earlier settlements and hydraulic system were integrated into the imperial core until Jayavarman VII built Angkor Thom separately.