History of Cambodia
AngKor Period
What Caused the Angkor Empire’s Rise?
-- Location: The strategic location chosen by King Jayavarman II made attack very difficult for over six centuries. Angkor was situated at the north end of Tonle Sap Lake, and the only way for invaders to bring in enough forces to fight against Angkor was by sailing upstream from the Mekong River. Geographically, Angkor was protected by rugged, thick forests on all sides. There were no well-developed roads so troops and weapons had to be delivered in a long, vulnerable line.
-- The Adoption of the Indian Concept of the God-King: As deities, the Khmer kings had the strength of the divine right and absolute power.
-- Control Over Water and Related Resources: The geographical location of the Angkor Empire results in two extreme seasons – heavy rainfall during the monsoon and the dry period during the off-monsoon season. The Khmer built numerous large reservoirs, dikes, moats and ponds to prevent floods during the monsoon season and to store water for the dry season. The efficient and extensive irrigation system of the ancient Khmer enabled them to cultivate crops two to three times a year, which led to a strong economy.
Why Did the Angkor Civilization Fall ?
Many factors led to Angkor ’s ruin:
-- The advent of Theravada Buddhism.
-- Loss of control over water resources.
-- Increasing external threats.
Note: There is a reason Siem Reap is called that. It means Thai Defeated, and at one point that was a mainstay of Khmer existence – defeating the Thai.
The Angkor Kings
Jayavarman II—the First Angkor King (802-834)
In 802, Jayavarman II crowned himself and thus began a period now considered the beginning of the Khmer civilization and the birth of the Angkor Empire. He was revered as a god-king with absolute power. He decided to place his capital at the northern end of the Tonle Sap ( Lake ) because of the area’s military significance and defensibility.
To reach his capital, enemies would have to work their way upstream, a difficult task without motorboats. Jayavarman II actively waged wars throughout Cambodia and expanded his territory. He built a temple devoted to god Shiva at Phnom Kulen about 40 km/24 miles northwest of Tonle Sap . King Jayavarman II reigned until 834. His name is significant in Angkorian history: “Jaya” literally means “victorious” and “varman” means “the protector.”
Jayavarman III (834–877)
After the death of Jayavarman II, his son Jayavarman III succeeded him and reigned for over 40 years. Little is known about him. He may have built the Prei Monti temple.
Indravarman I (877-889)
He was the third king of the Angkor kingdom and regarded as the first great builder. Indravarman I was not related to the first two kings so it is not known what right granted him the throne. He built at least three primitive Khmer temples, the Preah Ko temple, the Lolei and the Bakong. Indravarman I also built a large reservoir named Indratataka
Yasovarman I (889-910)
Yasovarman I built a new Angkor capital called Yasodharapura, located not far from Roluos on the vast plain of Siem Reap and about eight km north of the Tonle Sap . At the center was Phnom Bakeng Hill. Yasovarman I built one of the largest reservoirs in the AngkorKingdom, called East Baray ( Lake ).
Harshavarman I (910-923) & Isanavarman II (923-928)
After the death of Yasovarman I, his son Harshavarman I became the next king. The two monuments built by Harshavarman I were the Baksei Chamkrong, a laterite temple northeast of Phnom Bakheng, and Prasat Kravan, built of bricks and dedicated to god Vishnu. His reign was followed by his brother Isanavarman II.
Jayavarman IV (928-941)
When Isanavarman II died in 928, Jayavarman IV ascended the throne and moved the capital to Koh Ker, about 90 km/54 miles north of Angkor Wat. At his new capital, Jayavarman IV constructed obscure Rahal Baray ( Lake ), running in a non-traditional north-south direction, and difficult to engineer.
Sandstone may have been first introduced as the building materials of the Khmer monuments during this time. Koh Ker remained as the capital for only about 15 years. Harshavarman II (941-944) was designated crown prince. Harshavarman II ascended the throne by force with the help of his cousin who become the next king.
Rajendravarman II (944-968)
As soon as Harshavarman II died, his cousin Rajendravarman II took power. He reinstated Angkor as the capital, and started to build the mountain-temple of Pre Rup which was sited on top of the ashramas built by Yasovarman I. Rajendravarman II had problems keeping his crown due to rebellions among his rivals. Rajendravarman II had a strong military urge since he not only waged war with his rivals, but even sacked the Champa Kingdom located to the east in modern Vietnam and the Thai tribal states to the west.
Jayavarman V (968-1000)
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He was the son of Rajendravarman II and succeeded to the supreme throne after his father in 968.
Jayavarman V had to fight vigorously with other princes in order to maintain his kingship. For some reason, he built a new capital at the vicinity of Angkor and named it “Jayendranagari,” meaning “Capital of the Triumphant Monarch,” which implied his victory over his many enemies.
During his reign, two major complexes were constructed, Banteay Srei and Takeo. |
Banteay Srei Temple
See a large picture of Banteay Srei Temple.
See also The Angkor Kings (1001-1431)
Pre-Angkor Period
The Angkor Kings (1001 -1431)
Post-Angkor Period
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