The Khmer Empire

By Anthony Sawaya
  • Nov 22, 700

    Chenla replaces Funan

    Chenla replaces Funan
    After centuries as the dominant kingdom in South-East Asia, Funan is replaced by the fastly growing kingdom of Chenla
  • Nov 21, 802

    Beginning of Khmer Empire

    Beginning of Khmer Empire
    Jayavarman II's enthroning marks the official beginning of the Khmer Empire. He declares himself a 'god-king' or 'devaraja'
  • Nov 22, 834

    Khmer empire gradually expands

    Khmer empire gradually expands
    The Khmer Empire expands over the next 200 years. Angkor Wat is built and Buddhism becomes important
  • Nov 22, 1117

    Chams invade Angkor

    Chams invade Angkor
    The Chams invade the Khmer's capital, Angkor
  • Nov 22, 1181

    Jayavarman VII is king

    Jayavarman VII is king
    He defeated the Chams and expanded to empire to its greatest, now reaching Laos, Thailand and Burma
  • Nov 22, 1243

    Jayavarman VIII is king

    Jayavarman VIII is king
    Jayavarman VIII hated Buddhism. He anouncede that all Buddhism temples were to be destroyed and that Hinduism was to be the primary religion of the Khmer
  • Nov 22, 1300

    Buddhism becomes main religion

    Buddhism becomes main religion
    Once again, despite the edfforts of Jayavarman VIII, Buddhism is the main religion in the Khmer Empire
  • Nov 22, 1431

    Thais invade

    Thais invade
    The Thais invade Angkor, completely looting Angkor Wat.
  • Nov 21, 1432

    End of Khmer Empire

    End of Khmer Empire
    Angkor Wat is completely abandoned, marking the end of the Khmer Empire
  • Nov 22, 1440

    Capital becomes Phnom Penh

    Capital becomes Phnom Penh
    Khmer rulers opt to relocate the capital to Phnom Penh