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The History of the Angkor and Khmer Empires

By livmcarthur
  • Period: Oct 7, 802 to Dec 21, 1431

    The Events of the Angkor and Khmer Empires

  • Dec 18, 802

    Jayavarman II Founds Khmer Empire

    In the year of 802 CE, Jayavarman II made the decision to relocate the capital near the Angkor site and declare the independence of Cambodia. During his reign, he used wars, alliances and marriages to expand the Empire. He also established four capitals for his kingdom and constructed several Hindu temples.
  • Feb 11, 889

    Yasovarman II

    Whilst his reign, Yasovarman II builds a new capital and gigantic reservior in the Angkor region
  • Dec 24, 944

    Rajendravarman II

    Rajendravarman II built a series of temples at Angkor, and led the first war against the neighbouring state, Champa.
  • Mar 17, 968

    The Reign of Jayavarman V

    As the son of Rajendravarman II, Jayavarman V made the Khmer court a centre for scholars and artists.
  • Jun 15, 1113

    Suryavarman II

    The impact that Suryavarman II made on the Khmer Empire ranged from expanding of land in the north, south, east and west. He extended all borders by conducting wars against contiguous states. Additionally, he commenced the building of the most significant temple, Angkor Wat. This temple was built within 37 years, and was dedicated to the king. Following the death, the Khmer Empire suffered several invasions.
  • Apr 14, 1181

    Events of Jayavarman VII Reign

    It is believed that Jayavarman VII was the greatest of all Khmer rulers. He waged war against the enemy, Champa for approximately twenty-two years, and conquered a significant amount of its land. Whilst his reign, he changed the official religion to Mahayana Buddhism. However, construction of infrastructure such as 'Angkor Thom', several temples, roads, hospitals led to the decline of the Empire.
  • Dec 24, 1243

    The Weakening of the Empire

    The years subsequent the death of Jayavarman VII, contributed to the fall of the Angkor and Khmer Empire. The construction of temples no longer flourished and the Empire was facing many attacks from Champa, which further led to the loss of land. Religious conflict also occurred. Jayavarman VIII wanted a return to Hinduism. He took action by converting all Buddhist temples to Hindu and ruined thousands of Buddha images.
  • Sep 10, 1431

    The End of the Khmer Empire

    The events leading up to the end of the Empire all contributed to a devastating fall. During the reign of Jayavarman VII, the Empire was under threat of a severe attack from a neighbouring northern territory, Mongol Empire. In the year of 1243, the king paid tribute to the Mongols to avoid year. Due to the threats, fear began to rise and the Empire became a vassal state to the Mongols.