The Khmer Empire Study Guide

Timeline of the Khmer Empire

802 A.D- establishment of the Khmer Empire

In 802 Jayavarman was installed under Hindu rites as god-king (universal ruler). This event marked the start of the Khmer empire. Jayavarman established a series of capitals, the last near Angkor. Angkor served as the Khmer empire's capital for 600 years.

889 A.D - Reign of Yasovarman I

Yasovarman I became king in 889 and is considered one of the greatest rulers of the Khmer Empire. During his rule, he expanded the empire's territory and built many temples and irrigation systems. His reign is often called the "Golden Age" of the Khmer Empire.

1113 A.D- Construction of Angkor Wat

Construction. Angkor Wat was commissioned by the Khmer king Suryavarman II (ruled 1113– c. 1150) in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura (present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire. The construction of the temple commenced in 1122 CE and was completed in 1150 CE.

1181 A.D - Jayavarman VII's reign

King Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181–1219) was usually considered Cambodia's greatest king. He had already been a military leader as a prince under the previous kings. After Champa had conquered Angkor, he gathered an army and retook the capital.

1431 - Fall of Angkor

In 1431, the city of Angkor was sacked by the Ayutthaya Kingdom, marking the decline and eventual fall of the Khmer Empire. The empire continued to exist in a fragmented state until it was officially dissolved in 1594. The reasons for the empire's decline are debated among historians, but factors such as environmental changes, political instability, and external invasions likely played a role.

802-1431 A.D - Legacy of the Khmer Empire

Despite its eventual decline, the Khmer Empire left a lasting legacy in Southeast Asia. Its architectural masterpieces, such as Angkor Wat and the Bayon temple, continue to awe visitors to this day. The empire's cultural and artistic achievements, including its refined sculpture and literature, greatly influenced the region. The Khmer Empire's legacy is a testament to the power and sophistication of ancient Southeast Asian civilizations.

Key Terms

Kampuchea

Khmer king

Devearajah

A cult of “god king” established in the 9th century by Jayavarman II

Barays

A system of canals and storage tanks the Khmer emperors used.

Delta

A wetland area that forms where a river flows into a larger body of water

GRAPES

Geography

• Southeast Asia

• Started as a city state, Chen-la

• Covered modern day Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, and Thailand

• Mostly settled along Mekong River, the seventh longest in the world

• The Mekong River is a delta.

• Delta: a wetland area that forms where a river flows into a bigger form of water

Religion

• Mostly Hinduism

• Some Buddhism

• Their main temple: Angkor Wat

• Kings were not crowned but appointed by the holy waters of the Mekong river

Achievements

• 1050 to 1150: high point under Suryavarma 1 and 2

• 880s conquered the Mon and thai people

• They were known as amazing builders mostly because of Angkor Wat

• water irrigation (considered their greatest achievement along with the construction of Angkor Wat)

• wrote books on paper, palm leaves, and vellum. But most destroyed either by fire, rot, or termites.

Politics

• Waged war on neighbors to keep kings happy

• Also had many war elephants

• In the 1200s: people grew tired of serving Devarajahs

• Devarajahs: cult of the “god-king” established in the 9th century by Jayavarman the 2nd

Economy

• main food: rice

• At their peak, great trading system

• traded in rice and fish

Social Structure

• Monarchy

• kampuchea: name for Khmer kings

• Empire mostly of builders, craft workers, fishermen, farmers, warriors.