The Khmer Empire was a powerful state in Southeast Asia, centred on what is now Cambodia and at its height controlling much of the mainland, including parts of present Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. It was founded by Jayavarman II, who proclaimed himself universal monarch, and its capitals around Angkor were linked by roads and a sophisticated system of reservoirs and canals. Its kings built enormous temple complexes, notably Angkor Wat and the Bayon, expressing first Hindu and later Buddhist beliefs. From the fourteenth century the empire declined under pressure from neighbouring Ayutthaya, and the Khmer court eventually left Angkor.
Before and after
- 9th centuryConstruction of Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
- 9th centuryConstruction of Vézelay Abbey
- 9th centuryConstruction of Princely Abbey of Corvey
- 9th centuryConstruction of Aachen Cathedral
- from 802 CE to 1431Khmer Empire
- 802 CEConstruction of Angkor Wat
- 803 CELeshan Giant Buddha
- 20 July 810 CEBirth of Muḥammad ibn Ismaeel al-Bukhārī
- from 811 CE to 819 CEFourth Fitna
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- 710 CEConstruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque
- from 2 February 962 CE to 6 August 1806Holy Roman Empire
- 990 CEConstruction of Château de Montsoreau
- from c. 1113 to 1150Suryavarman II builds Angkor Wat
- 1193Origins of Chernobyl
- 1373Construction of Leaning Tower of Pisa
The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 9th century.