Civilization · 802 – 1431
Khmer Empire
Builders of Angkor Wat, medieval Southeast Asia's greatest state.
Capital: Angkor · Southeast Asia
Overview
The Khmer god-kings of Angkor commanded a hydraulic empire of rice-fed millions. Their capital at its peak may have housed a million people, making it the largest preindustrial city in the world.
Timeline
- 802Jayavarman II proclaimed universal monarch
- c. 1113 – 1150Suryavarman II builds Angkor Wat
- 1181 – 1218Jayavarman VII expands Buddhist Bayon complex
- 1431Ayutthayan sack of Angkor
Rulers
Founder
Angkor Wat's patron
Bayon; hospital and road networks
Wars & conflicts
- Khmer–Cham wars
- Wars with Ayutthaya
Architecture
Sandstone temple-mountains, baray reservoirs, causeways, bas-reliefs of Mahabharata scenes.
Religion
Hindu (Shaiva, Vaishnava) then Mahayana Buddhism; Theravada from the 13th c.
Economy
Wet-rice agriculture regulated by vast reservoirs and canals.
Technology
Hydraulic engineering, iron tools, dressed-stone joinery without mortar.
Art
Devata reliefs, apsara dancers, monumental Bodhisattva heads.
Influence
Cambodian, Thai and Lao classical art all descend from Khmer traditions.
Decline
Environmental strain on the hydraulic system, Theravada shift, Thai invasions.
Key sites
- Angkor Wat
- Angkor Thom
- Bayon
- Banteay Srei
- Preah Vihear