Capital of the Angkor dynasty

Timeline

1. c. 802–900Phnom Kulen (Preah Vihear) · CambodiaJayavarman II established the Devaraja (god-king) tradition at Phnom Kulen, providing the ideological foundation for the later religious-political order of the Angkor capital; construction gradually advanced toward the plains southeast of the Tonle Sap.
2. c. 889–1000Yasodharapura (Angkor) · Siem Reap ProvinceKings such as Yasovarman I built temples and baray reservoirs on a large scale across the Angkor plain, integrating rice irrigation with religious architecture to form a capital spatial pattern structured around water management.
3. 1002–1050Core area of the Angkor capital · CambodiaSuryavarman I unified domestic forces, repelled surrounding threats, and continued expanding the capital's hydraulic and defensive facilities; Angkor's status as the imperial hub was further consolidated, with strengthened tributary and trade ties with Champa and the Malay Archipelago.
4. c. 1113–1150Angkor Wat · Siem Reap ProvinceSuryavarman II oversaw the building of Angkor Wat, a Mount Meru-style temple symbolizing divine kingship, marking the pinnacle of the Angkor capital's architecture and religious art, with the city's population and artisan workforce reaching a historic high.
5. 1431–1600Angkor monuments · CambodiaAfter Siamese armies captured Angkor, the Khmer royal court moved south, ending the capital's political function; the temple complexes were swallowed by jungle until French expeditions in the 19th century renewed international attention.