The Khmer Empire

By 133054
  • 802

    The rise of an empire

    In 802 was the start of the Khmer Empire. King Jayavarman II forced multiple small Khmer kingdoms to unite and form what is now known as the Khmer Empire. In this year, Hinduism became the state religion and Jayavarman II crowned himself Chakravartin (ruler of the world). The Khmer kingdoms that united were talked about for 700 years prior through myths and tales.
  • 877

    The first temple

    The year 877 was a big year for infrastructure. Indravarman I who was Jayavarman II nephew became king and did many things. The all important East Baray that can be seen in Angkor maps was dug and connected. The first Hindu temple built during the Khmer Empire was constructed in Hariharalaya. This was called Preach Ko and was significant as it allowed the first proper worship in Hinduism.
  • 1113

    Angkor What?

    The year 1113 was the year Angkor Wot was built under the surveillance of Suryavarman II. It was built in around 30 years and served as a state temple. The actual Angkor Wot area is over 400 acres big and was used as the empire's capital for an extended period of time. The Angkor Wot complex is a very big part of what we know about the empire today. Without it's existence, the idea of another long lost civilisation in South East-Asia may have never been investigated.
  • 1177

    The Chams

    The Chams invasion in 1177 was the first of many invasions that successfully invaded Angkor. In this attack, the Chams defeated the Khmer, looted them and captured them. Their water based attack resulted in mass fires in the Angkor region.
  • 1181

    The Greatest Leader

    In 1181, arguably the greatest leader became king. Jayavarman VII made many advancements that benefited the empire greatly. He defeated the Chams many times which resulted in the empire reaching it's greatest extent. The greatest advancement in infrastructure happened under his reign. This included the improvement and development of the road system, the building of temples and the building of hospital.
  • 1431

    The final attack

    In the year 1431, the final attack on the Khmer Empire occurred. The Ayutthaya's now known as Thailand invaded the empire from the north-west. Thousands to tens of thousands of people were enslaved by this civilisation. This was the final attack as after they captured, looted and conquered them, the empire fell. All the remaining people moved down the river Mekong and that was the end of the Khmer Empire.