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500
Start of The Khmer Empire
Evidence of trade between the Khmer people and Indian people are found. This symbolises the fist piece of evidence proving the Khmer's existence. -
Period: Jan 1, 770 to Jan 1, 834
Unity
Jayavarman II unifies his other smaller states to create one large empire. The capital is in the Angkor region of Cambodia. -
Jan 1, 802
Rise To Power
Jayavarman II is enthroned as a devaraja (god-king) to rule his people. He is widely known as the founder of the Khmer empire. -
Period: Jan 1, 834 to Jan 1, 1135
Expanding
Khmer Empire expands and Angkor Wat is built. Buddhism becomes important. -
Period: Jan 1, 1177 to Jan 1, 1178
Invasion of The East
Cham kingdom invades much of the Khmer Empire’s Eastern territory. -
Period: Jan 1, 1181 to Jan 1, 1219
Fall of The Chams
Jayavarman VII defeats the Chams and expands the empire to the furthest extent to incorporate much of present day Laos, Thailand and Burma (Myanmar). -
Period: Jan 1, 1243 to Jan 1, 1298
Decline of Buddhism
Rule of Jayavarman VIII. He renounces Buddhism and orders that Buddhist temples and images be destroyed and Hinduism become the main religion. -
Jan 1, 1300
Buddhism Returns
Buddhism grows in importance again over Hinduism and becomes the main religion of the Khmer kings one more. -
Period: Jan 1, 1431 to Jan 1, 1442
Angkor is Forgotten
Thai army attacks Angkor and Khmers abandon Angkor. Over subsequent centuries, the jungle grows around and over Angkor and it’s location is forgotten. -
Jan 1, 1440
A New Home
The Khmer rulers relocate their capital to Phnom Penh. This became the royal capitol for 73 years. -
Thai Attack!
The Thai king attacks and defeats the Khmer King. -
End of The Khmer Empire
Vietnamese armies repeatedly attack Khmer forces in Mekong River delta and defeat the Khmer people. Approximate modern borders of Cambodia are determined.
