The Khmer Empire—Succession, Golden Age, and Influence

The Khmer Empire, a ruling force in mainland Southeast Asia from 802 C.E. to 1431, shaped both ancient history and modern civilization. Also known as the Kingdom of Angkor, this empire is known for its golden age, though it took a few centuries to achieve such a flourishing civilization. While ultimately the empire was distinguished by its construction and architectural innovation, transfers of power and years of warfare often disrupted the kingdom’s advancements. Additionally, the Khmer were riddled with attempted rebellions and conspiracies. Especially when a king died, successions were contested, and nobles often attempted to gain power. Even when kings were alive, their reign was constantly under threat from ambitious enemies.

This said, the Khmer Empire was highly influential, even from its infancy and through its struggles. Its predecessors, the kingdoms of Funan and Chenla, were both complex powers, but entirely eclipsed by the might of the Khmer. From the first ruler in the ninth century, a young Cambodian prince by the name of Jayavarman II, Khmer influence began to spread throughout Southeast Asia. Soon after his death, King Indravarman I ruled the empire starting in 877 from Hariharalaya, his reign characterized by the construction of a reservoir, temples, and the Bakong—the first Cambodian temple built of stone instead of brick.

After Indravarman I, his son Yasovarman I assumed the crown in 890 and established a new capital city, named Angkor—derived from the Sanskrit nagara, or “city.” At its peak, Angkor was considered the largest city in the world at its time, and though it’s difficult to gauge its population, scholars believe it to be around one million people. The city’s original name was Yashodharapura, meaning “glory-bearing city,” and it certainly lived up to that title due to its size alone. Yasovarman’s reign was characterized by his tolerance of both Buddhist and Hindu religions, which strengthened the legacy of the Angkorean civilization as one of notably high religious tolerance.

The wonder of Angkor Wat

After Yasovarman died, there were decades of disruption in the empire, as war and attempted grabs at power plagued the Khmer people. Rajendravarman II assumed power in 944, establishing an era of peace, and after his reign, his title passed to Jayavarman V and Suryavarman I successively. After Suryavarman I’s death, another 50 years of civil unrest ensued. False kings claimed false titles, and only when Suryavarman II established himself as king in 1113, did the golden age of the Khmer Empire begin. As ruler, he expanded borders, launched attacks against enemies, and reformed the religious identity of his empire, declaring Vaishnavism as Khmer’s official religion. The most famous characteristic of his rule, however, is the construction of Angkor Wat.

The most famous draw to the country of Cambodia, Angkor Wat is one of the world’s largest religious structures and a testament to ancient engineering. This great cultural wonder covers over 400 acres of land and marks the height of Khmer architecture. Built over a span of 30 years, this temple’s towers were once gilded and surrounded by moats, but spent many years buried deep within the jungle before being reclaimed and restored.

Angkor Wat eventually became Suryavarman II’s tomb. After his passing and a successful coup of his successor, Yasovarman II, the golden age continued under the rule of Jayavarman VII. However, Jayavarman first had to defeat the Chams, who had invaded Angkor. Leading his own army, he assumed control of the empire and brought the kingdom to its greatest height. Jayavarman was known, like other Khmer rulers, for his construction and architectural feats, as he pioneered the creation of numerous temples and rebuilt Angkor after invasion.

Dying light, living legacy

Though Jayavarman VII is widely considered the greatest king to ever rule the Khmer Empire, many scholars believe that his overuse of laborers and natural resources contributed to the empire’s eventual downfall. After Jayavarman died around 1220, the Khmer people’s construction and creative efforts died out, as did their kingdom’s might. The empire would survive for another 200 years, but by the 15th century, their reign was coming to an end. Many factors contributed to this decline, including the overuse of the environment and the conversion of the kingdom to a new sect of Buddhism, which undermined the society’s existing social values and caused mass disruption. Eventually, opposing powers overtook Angkor in 1431, and the Khmer Empire met its end.

 Though the kingdom lost its power centuries ago, its influence can still be seen around Southeast Asia today. Angkor Wat, and Khmer ingenuity, continues to be a pinnacle of Cambodian culture, and modern temples mimic architectural aesthetics from the first centuries of Khmer existence. The Cambodian flag, adopted in the 20th century, even features Angkor Wat as the focal point of its design. The Khmer Empire went through kings and capitals, and from golden age to steady decline, but its influence and lasting impact on Southeast Asia are undeniable.

Witness the splendor of Angkor Wat and the Khmer Empire’s influence firsthand when you join O.A.T. for Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam.