The Khmer Empire

by Captivating History Book 6 in the Asian Military History series.

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The Khmer Empire examines the civilisation centred on Angkor that dominated much of mainland Southeast Asia for centuries. It explores royal power, Hindu and Buddhist religion, monumental architecture such as Angkor Wat and the sophisticated water-management systems that supported the capital. The book also traces warfare, diplomacy and trade with neighbouring states before considering the political and environmental pressures associated with Angkor’s decline.

Angkor’s monumental landscape reflects the interaction of kingship, religion and environmental management. Reservoirs, canals and temple complexes organise labour and advertise royal authority while supporting a densely settled capital region. Changes in trade routes, warfare and water systems are therefore considered together when explaining why political power shifted away from Angkor rather than attributing decline to a single cause.