Khmer Empire - Definition and Overview

The Khmer Empire was a powerful kingdom based in what is now Cambodia. The empire, which succeeded from the kingdom of Chenla, at times ruled over and/or vassalised parts of modern-day Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Its greatest legacy is Angkor, which was the capital during the empire's zenith. Angkor bears testimony to the Khmer Empire's immense power and wealth, as well as the variety of belief systems that it patronised over time. The empire's official religions included Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism, until Theravada Buddhism prevailed after its introduction from Sri Lanka in the 13th century.

Rulers

Chronological listing with reign, title and posthumous title(s), where known.

• 657-681: Jayavarman I
• 802-850: Jayavarman II (Paramesvara)
• 854-877: Jayavarman III (Vishnuloka)
• 877-889: Indravarman II (Isvaraloka)
• 889-910: Yasovarman I (Paramasivaloka)
• 910-923: Hashavarman I (Rudraloka)
• 923-928: Isanavarman II (Paramarudraloka)
• 928-941: Jayavarman IV (Paramasivapada)
• 941-944: Harshavarman II (Vrahmaloka or Brahmaloka)
• 944-968: Rajendravarman (Sivaloka)
• 968-1001: Jayavarman V (Paramasivaloka)
• 1001-1002?: Udayadityavarman I
• 1002-1011?: Jayaviravarman
• 1001-1050: Suryavarman I (Narvanapala la)
• 1050-1066: Udayadityavarman II
• 1066-1080?: Harshavarman III (Sadasivapada)
• 1080-1113?: Jayavarman VI (Paramakaivalyapada)
• 1113-1150: Suryavarman II (Paramavishnuloka)
• 1150-1160: Dharanindravarman II (Paramanishkalapada)
• 1160-1165/6: Yasovarman II
• 1181-1220?: Jayavarman VII (Mahaparamasangata?)
• 1220-1243: Indravarman III?
• 1243-1295: Jayavarman VIII (abdicated) (Paramesvarapada)
• 1295-1308: Indravarman III?
• 1300-1307?: Srindravarman (abdicated)
• 1308-1327: Indrajayavarman
• 1330-1353: Paramathakemaraja
• 1371-?: Hou-eul-na
• 1404: Samtac Pra Phaya
• 1405: Samtac Chao Phaya Phing-ya
• 1405-1409: Nippean-bat
• 1409-1416: Lampong or Lampang Paramaja
• 1416-1425: Sorijovong, Sorijong or Lambang
• 1425-1429: Barom Racha, or Gamkhat Ramadhapati
• 1429-1431: Thommo-Soccorach or Dharmasoka
• 1432-1462: Ponhea Yat or Gam Yat

See also

• Angkor
• Cambodia
• Cambodian architecture
• Khmer language
• Dark ages of Cambodia
• Early history of Cambodia
• Khmer people
• Buddhist art
• List of Buddhist topics

Sources

• Rooney, Dawn F. Angkor. Hong Kong: Odyssey Publications. ISBN 962-217-601-1