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We see the first evidence of trade in the Khmer Empire when the Khmers trade with the Indians.This would then go on to influence Khmer culture and religion since Hinduism and Buddhism came from the Indians.
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The first known kingdom was in the lower Mekong River, Funan, rises and falls.
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Smaller states of the Khmer region form an empire under the rule of Jayavarman II. These smaller states lasted until 834 CE.
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Angkor Wat's contruction begins. The estimated construction time of the temple is 30 years by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to Vishnu. Today its an iconic figure on Cambodia's history and it appears on their flag.
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The people of Champa invade the Khmer Empire. They claim much of the empire’s eastern territory.
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Although the Champs took some of the Khmer empire’s eastern territory, the Khmers fought back and reclaimed their land. Not only did they reclaim what they took before, but they also extended even more taking some of modern day Laos, Thailand and Burma.
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After the death of Jayavarman VII he is succeeded by Jayavarman VIII. He renounces Buddhism and orders that buddhist temples and images be destroyed. In doing this, he declares Hinduism as the main religion.
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After a short burst of Hinduism, Buddhism once again becomes important. it becomes the main religion in the Khmer Empire.
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The Thai army attacks the Khmer forces. The Khmer King evacuates their people and they escape elsewhere. This marks the end of the Khmer Empire. although the Khmers abandoned the empire, Buddhist Monks cared for Angkor Wat. That is why Angkor Wat is in such good condition.
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Jayavarman II is officialy throned. He thrones himself as devaraja (the king of the Gods) of the Khmer Empire.
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The Khmer Empire expands and more room is created. At this point buddhism becomes important.
