Khmer Empire, 802–1431

The Khmer Empire developed in mainland Southeast Asia from the early ninth century, with its political and ceremonial centre at Angkor. Kings used monumental architecture, religious patronage and extensive water-management systems to express and sustain royal authority.

The empire interacted with neighbouring Cham, Thai and Vietnamese states and drew on both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and other complexes reveal changing political and religious priorities across centuries of expansion and conflict.

Angkor’s decline was gradual and involved warfare, environmental pressures, shifting trade routes and changes in political organisation. The empire’s cultural legacy remains central to Cambodian history.