Chenla Kingdom (Khmer)

Timeline

1. 600–630Lower Mekong · Mekong DeltaAs Funan's hegemony wavered, its vassal Chenla declared independence along land and water lines: Land Chenla held the highlands north of Angkor, Water Chenla controlled the plains south of Tonle Sap, each with different river basins as its sphere, gradually breaking free of Funan overlordship.
2. 630–680Angkor region · CambodiaChenla kings continued expanding southward, capturing Funan's capital and controlling the Mekong Delta trade routes, absorbing former Funan vassals into their realm and making the Angkor plain the new political and economic center.
3. 650–700Chenla capitals · CambodiaIn the latter half of the seventh century, Chenla kings vigorously built stone temples and hydraulic works, absorbing Hindu Shiva worship and Mahayana Buddhist elements to form a distinctive Khmer artistic style; Chinese and Indian records both note Chenla tribute envoys, showing its political standing in the Indochinese Peninsula was firmly established.