Khmer Empire

  • Jan 1, 802

    Jayavarman II declared 'devaraja' (god-king)

    Jayavarman II declared 'devaraja' (god-king)
    This event strengthened the monarchy's power. During time, the Khmer Empire was declared independent from Java. This year is the year when Jayavarman II founded the Khmer Empire.
  • Nov 24, 889

    Yasovarman I establishes new capital, Yasodharapura

    This city was the first city of Angkor. The city's central temple was built on a hill named Phnom Bakheng. East Baray was also created, which was a water reservoir.
  • Jan 1, 1117

    The Chams invade the Khmer Empire

    The Chams invade the Khmer Empire
    The Khmer Empire win wars against the Chams but cannot take their land. Later, the Chams have their revenge by attacking the Empire and looting from it.
  • Jan 1, 1122

    Angkor Wat begins building

    Angkor Wat begins building
    Under the reign of Suryaverman II, Angkor Wat was built. I took 37 years to build it.The temple was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.
  • Period: Jan 1, 1181 to Jan 1, 1215

    Jayavarman VII's reign

    Under the reign of Jayavarman VII, the empire reaches its largest. Also, during this time, Angkor Thom was also built. He built many roads and temple, such as Ta Prohm.
  • Period: Nov 24, 1200 to Nov 25, 1200

    Angkor Thom built late 12th century

    Angkor Thom was the capital city during emperor Jayavarman VII's reign. The city is well known for the faces on its city gates. The Bayon is Angkor Thom's temple.
  • Period: Nov 24, 1243 to Nov 25, 1295

    Jayavarman VIII's reign

    He devoted his life to the Hindu god Shiva and he opposed Buddhism. He destroyed many Buddha statues and converted Buddhist temples into Hindu ones. He avoided war with China by paying it money. His successor followed Buddhism.
  • Nov 24, 1300

    Religion changes to Buddhism c. 1300

    Religion changes to Buddhism c. 1300
    Therevada Buddhism took over Hinduism as the main religion. The kings around this time and later were no longer called devarajas. This meant that there was no need to worship and build temples for the kings. This meant loss of power for the kings.
  • Jan 1, 1431

    Angkor is attacked and conquered by the Thai army

    Angkor is attacked and conquered by the Thai army
    In this year, the kingdom of Ayutthaya attacked Angkor and took over it. The Khmers fled Angkor the capital is relocated to Phnom Pehn. This meant the end of the Khmer empire.
  • Modern Cambodia

    Modern Cambodia
    Cambodia is now about 1/6th of what the Khmer Empire was. The capital is now Phnom Pehn instead of Angkor. The Mekong River and Tonle Sap are still very important for food and water supply.