The Rise and Fall of the Khmer Empire

Jayarman II finds the Khmer Empire.

Apr 27, 802

Jayvarman established the Khmer Empire in Cambodia and declared himself a 'god king'. He used wars, alliances and marriages to expand the area under his control. In addition to this, he also built Hindu temples for people to pray.

Jayavarman II dies. His son, Jayavarman III reigns.

May 2, 834

After the death of the first Khmer king, his son Jayavarman III took to the throne and reigned for about 40 years. Very little is known about this leader, except that he may have built the Prei Monti temple.

Indravarman I reigns. Builds two temples and reservoir.

May 2, 887

During Indravarman I reign (887-889), he built two primitive Khmer temples, the Preah Ko temple and the Bakong. The architecture of these two temples was an inspiration to the later temples of the Angkor civilization. Indravarman I also built a large reservoir named Indratataka.

Yasovarman constructed a new capitol and reservoir.

Apr 28, 889

As the empire began to rise, Yasovarman (889-900) constructed the water reservoir, Yasohodharataka, to support the needs of the people. Including the growing of crops and general water supply.

Rajendravarman II reign. Khmer's had their first war.

Apr 28, 944

During Rajendravamen II reign (944-968), he built temples at Angkor and the Khmer's had their first war with Champa. Although he encountered difficulties in keeping his crown, Rajendravamen had a strong military power as he did not only wage civil war with his rivals, but even sacked the Champa Kingdom and the Thai tribal states.

The Khmer court became a centre for scholars and artists.

Apr 28, 968

Jayvarman V reigns (968-1001) and changed the Khmer court into a centre for scholars and artists. This shows how the escalating population resulted to the introduction of more occupations and an improvement to education

Suryavarman II gains power.

May 2, 1113

Suryavarman II extended the Khmer Empire by conquering Haripunchai and south-western Thailand up to the borer with Bagan. In the east and north, he took several provinces of Champa and expanded north to the border of Laos. Suryavarman also commenced the construction of Angkor Wat.

Suryavarman II dies. Cham invades Khmer Empire.

May 2, 1177

Suryavarman II dies after reign of 32 years. After Cham invaded the Khmer Empire, they sacked the capital and killed the current leader, King Tribhuvanadityavarman. This shows how the king was unable to control his empire and in return allowed the enemy to enter.

Jayavarman VII reigns. Construction of Angkor Thom commenced.

May 2, 1181

During Jayavarman VII reign (1181-1215), he waged war against Champa for twenty-two years and conquered much of its land. The Khmers began building Angkor Thom, along with many other temples, infrastructure and rest-houses.

Jayavarman VII dies. Empire weakens.

May 2, 1218

After Jayavarman VII death, no other temples were built. The Khmer lost much of the territory they had conquered in Champa. Several Thai nobles rebelled, establishing the first Thai kingdom at Sukhothai in 1238.

Jayavarman VIII reigns and paid tribute to Mongols.

May 2, 1243

During Jayavarman VIII reign (1243-1295), the Khmer Empire was threatened by the more powerful Mongol Empire. In 1283, he paid tribute to the Mongols to avoid war.

Jayavarman VIII was overthrown by son-in-law.

May 2, 1295

Jayvarman VIII was overthown by his son-in-law, Srindravarman (1295-1309) who introduced Theravada Buddhism to the Khmer Empire. His reign ended after Indrajayavarman took over (1309-1327). There were no more inscriptions of the accession of kings and no more temples were built, possibly because the Theravada Buddhism did not demand such buildings.