Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1002
Suryavarman I comes to power and expands the extent of the kingdom by annexing the
Buddhist kingdom of Louvo (known as Lopburi in modern-day Thailand). He also in-
creases trade links with the outside world.
1112
Suryavarman II commences the construction of Angkor Wat, the mother of all temples,
dedicated to Vishnu and designed as his funerary temple.
1152
Suryavarman II is killed in a disastrous campaign against the Dai Viet (Vietnamese), pro-
voking this rising northern neighbour and sparking centuries of conflict between the two
countries.
1177
The Chams launch a surprise attack on Angkor by sailing up the Tonlé Sap. They defeat
the powerful Khmers and occupy the capital for four years.
1181
The Chams are vanquished as Jayavarman VII, the greatest king of Angkor and builder of
Angkor Thom, takes the throne, changing the state religion to Mahayana Buddhism.
1219
Jayavarman VII dies aged in his 90s, and the empire of Angkor slowly declines due to a
choking irrigation network, religious conflict and the rise of powerful neighbours.
1253
The Mongols of Kublai Khan sack the Thai kingdom of Nanchao in Yunnan, sparking an
exodus southwards, which brings Thais into direct conflict with the weakening Khmer em-
pire.
1296
Chinese emissary Chou Ta Kuan spends one year living at Angkor and writes
The Customs of
Cambodia,
the only contemporary account of life in the great Khmer capital.
1353
