The rise, expansion and decline of the Khmer Empire

Founding of the Khmer Empire

Period: Apr 26, 802 to Apr 26, 835

Jayavarman ll founds the Khmer Empire in Cambodia and moves his capital to the Angkor area. He used wars, alliagiances and marriages in order to expand his empire. under his rule many temples and buildings were built which expanded the the empire

Indravarman III

Apr 28, 865

He built the first large baray (artificial water resorvoir) thus establishing two defining marks of Angkorian kingship - the construction of monumental temples and grand water projects.

Yasovarman reigns

Period: Apr 27, 889 to Apr 27, 900

Yasovarman constructs a new capitol called Yasodharapura and moves the Khmer Empire to the Angkor area. He built a massive water reservoir in the East, much like that of his father's.

Rajendravarman II reigns

Period: Apr 27, 944 to Apr 27, 968

Rajendravarman II built a series of temples at Angkor and during his reign they have their first war with Champa.

Jayavarman V

Apr 29, 968

During Jayavarman V's rule the Khmer court became a centre for scholars and artists. However after he stepped down from the throne in 1001 there ensued 9 years of fierce power struggles and political upheaval.

Suryavarman II

Period: Apr 28, 1113 to Apr 28, 1150

Comes to power after killing a rival prince in a battle fought on war elephants. Extended the Khmer Empire by conquering Haripunchai and South-Western Thailand up to the border with Bagan. in the East and North he took several provinces of Champa and expanded North to the present southern border of Laos.

Angkor Wat

Apr 29, 1113

Suryvarman begins the construction of Angkor Wat which was to become the geatest of al the Khmer temples. it was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.

The Chams attack Angkor

Apr 29, 1177

Angkor is invaded and occupied by the Chams. They rowed up the Mekong River in war canoes and sacked the Khmer capital, killing King Tribhuvanadityavarman.

Jayavarmna VII

Period: Apr 29, 1181 to Apr 29, 1215

Drove the Cham from Caambodia and was named king soon after. Waged war against Champa for 22 years, conquering much of the land. He was a follower of Mahayana Buddhism and made this the new state religion. Many constructions were built for the benefit of travellers and pilgrims aswell as temples of worship. Not only was he a strong military leader but began a huge infrastucture campaign.

Enemy king taken prisoner

Apr 28, 1190

Cham king captured under the rule of Jasovarman VII and taken to Angkor.

Angkor Thom

Apr 29, 1200

Angkor Thom built in 1200 by Jayavarman VII

Jayavarman's death

Apr 30, 1218

Jayavarman VII died and after his death no more temples were built.

Religious conflict under Jayavarman VIII

Period: Apr 30, 1234 to Apr 30, 1295

Jayavarman VIII wants a return to Hinduism and the defacement of many buddas and buddist temlpes follows. However during this time the Khmer Empire is also thrreatened by the superior Mongol Empire.

Vaasal state

Apr 30, 1283

Jayavarman VIII paid tribute to th Mongols empire, making them a vassal state for some time which proved a good decision when Bagan was conquered by the Mongols four years later.

Srindravarman

Period: Apr 30, 1295 to Apr 30, 1309

Overthrew his father in law, Jayavarman VIII and introduced Theravada buddhism into the Khmer empire. it was quickly adopted by the Khmer peiple as it was already the dominant religion of South-East Asia. This religion did not require such building so no more temples were constructed.

End of the Khmer classical Period

Apr 30, 1327

The end of Indraiayavarman's reign is considered the Khmer classical period coming to a close. After this time no more inscriptions told of the accesion of kings or temples of worship.

Seige on Angkor

Apr 30, 1431

There was a seven month seige on Angkor by the Thai who were growing stronger in the West before being abandoned

Capital moved to Phnom Penh

Apr 30, 1432

King Pohea Yat moved the capital from Ankor to Phnom Penh following the seige. The capital previously hadn't moved for 500 years.