-
500
Evidence of trade between the Khmer and Indian people
From this trade relationship the Khmer picked up some of the culture and ideas of the Indians. Eg. importance of Hindu and Buddhist religions during the period of the Khmer empire -
Period: Jan 1, 770 to Jan 1, 802
Jayavarman II unifies smaller states to create a large empire- the capital is Angkor in Cambodia
Jayavarman II is recognised as the founder of the Khmer Empire. Also the capital of the Khmer Empire is now Angkor. This is the heart of the Khmer Empire -
Jan 1, 802
Foundation of the Khmer Empire and Jayavarman II appoints himself a God King (devaraja)
He feels that his reign over his empire is so strong that he can be appointed a god king.This meant his authority came from a divine source and that he was a god living on Earth. -
Period: Jan 1, 834 to Jan 1, 1135
Khmer Empire expands and Angkor Wat is built
During this period the empire expands considerably. A number of kings follow Jayavarman II including Jayavarman III, Indravarman, Yasovarman I and Jayavarman V who commenced the construction of Angkor Wat 961 CE.
During this expansion the Empire built irrigation networks and canals, many buildings and made a number of cultural advances -
Period: Jan 1, 1181 to Jan 1, 1219
Jayavarman VII defeats the Chams and expands empire to Laos, Thailand and Burma
The Chams were a Muslim state and Jayavarman VII succeeded in reducing their territory taking the Khmer Empire to its greatest limits. This expansion was very costly as housing, feeding and transporting these huge armies cost a lot of money. In addition Jayavarman VII and his successors lived a luxurious life which used up much of the empire’s resources. -
Period: Jan 1, 1243 to Jan 1, 1298
Jayavarman VII makes Hinduism the official religion
Hinduism and Buddhism were both important religions in the Empire until Jayavarman VII makes Hinduism the official religion. By the 1300’s Buddhism grows in importance and becomes the main religion. -
Jan 1, 1431
Thai army attacks Angkor
After the death of Jayavarman VII the Cham kingdom and the Thai's started wars against the Khmer and the empire lost much land and resources. Then in 1431 the last of the Khmer kings abandoned Angkor as its capital. -
Jan 1, 1432
Khmers abandon Angkor
After Angkor is abandoned the jungle overgrows the city of Angkor, and it is forgotten. -
Period: Jan 1, 1440 to Jan 1, 1449
Khmers relocate and make Phnom Penh the new capital
The capital moved to Phnom Penh and the empire was able to defend itself until the Thai’s defeated the Khmer’s. The Thai’s looted the temples and took many items back to the Thai capital -
Vietnamese armies attack the Khmers
Vietnamese army attacks and defeats the Khmer army. As a result of this the Khmer Empire’s borders are restricted to modern day Cambodia.
