The history of the Khmer people and the Khmer Empire is rich and complex, spanning over a millennium. Here’s an overview of key periods and events:
### Pre-Angkor Period (1st–8th centuries CE)
- **Early Kingdoms**: The Khmer people emerged in the region of modern-day Cambodia, influenced by Indian culture, religion (Hinduism and Buddhism), and trade. Early kingdoms like Funan (1st–6th centuries) and Chenla (6th–8th centuries) laid the foundation for Khmer civilization.
- **Indianization**: Indian merchants and scholars brought Hinduism, Buddhism, Sanskrit, and artistic traditions, which deeply influenced Khmer culture.
### Angkor Period (9th–15th centuries)
- **Rise of the Khmer Empire**: The Khmer Empire was established in 802 CE by King Jayavarman II, who declared himself a *devaraja* (god-king). This marked the beginning of the Angkor period.
- **Angkor Wat**: The empire reached its peak under King Suryavarman II (1113–1150), who built Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu.
- **Angkor Thom and Bayon**: King Jayavarman VII (1181–1218) expanded the empire and built Angkor Thom, with the Bayon Temple at its center, showcasing the shift to Mahayana Buddhism.
- **Decline**: The empire began to decline in the 13th–15th centuries due to factors like environmental degradation, overexpansion, and invasions by the Thai kingdom of Ayutthaya.
### Post-Angkor Period (15th–19th centuries)
- **Fall of Angkor**: By the 15th century, the Khmer Empire had weakened, and Angkor was abandoned. The capital moved to Phnom Penh.
- **Siamese and Vietnamese Influence**: Cambodia became a battleground between Siam (Thailand) and Vietnam, leading to territorial losses and political instability.
- **Colonial Era**: In the 19th century, Cambodia sought protection from France to avoid being absorbed by Siam and Vietnam. It became part of French Indochina in 1863.
### Modern Cambodia (20th century–present)
- **Independence**: Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk.
- **Vietnam War and Khmer Rouge**: The Vietnam War spilled into Cambodia, leading to U.S. bombings and political instability. In 1975, the communist Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, took control, resulting in the Cambodian Genocide (1975–1979), where an estimated 1.7 million people died.
- **Vietnamese Occupation and Recovery**: The Khmer Rouge was ousted by Vietnamese forces in 1979, leading to a decade of occupation. Cambodia began to rebuild in the 1990s with UN assistance and the restoration of the monarchy.
- **Modern Cambodia**: Today, Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with a growing economy, though it still faces challenges like political corruption and poverty. The legacy of the Khmer Empire, particularly Angkor Wat, remains a source of national pride.
The Khmer people have a rich cultural heritage, with traditions in art, architecture, dance, and religion that continue to influence Southeast Asia.
