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Khmer Empire

Type Object Region Southeast Asia Time c. 802–1431

The Khmer Empire was an Indianized dynasty that ruled mainland Southeast Asia from the 9th to 15th centuries, centered on Angkor, with territory span…

Timeline

  1. c. 802–1000Phnom Kulen · CambodiaJayavarman II unified the Khmer polities, established the devaraja (god-king) cult, and laid the foundation for the Angkor dynasty's rule over mainland Southeast Asia.
  2. c. 1000–1113Angkor · CambodiaSuryavarman I, Jayavarman VI, and other monarchs expanded the empire's territory, built large reservoirs and irrigation systems, and Angkor became a capital of a million inhabitants; the empire controlled vast lands of the Mekong River basin.
  3. 1131–1140Angkor Wat · Siem Reap ProvinceDuring the reign of Suryavarman II (r. c. 1113–1150), the main construction of Angkor Wat continued; the empire used the Vishnu temple to symbolize divine kingship and maintained diplomatic and trade relations with Song, Champa, and states of the South China Sea.
  4. c. 1181–1220Angkor · CambodiaJayavarman VII promoted Mahayana Buddhism and built the Bayon temple along with numerous hospitals and relay stations; the empire's territory and administration reached their final peak, after which it gradually declined due to foreign threats and the burden of the hydraulic system.

Sources