What led to the downfall of the Khmer empire?

Several major factors have been cited as contributors to the demise of Angkor: war with the neighboring polity of Ayutthaya; conversion of the society to Theravada Buddhism; increasing maritime trade which removed Angkor’s strategic lock on the region; over-population of its cities; climate change bringing an extended …

Who founded the Khmer empire?

Jayavarman II
Jayavarman II, posthumous name Paramesvara (literally, Supreme Lord), (born c. 770—died 850, Hariharalaya, Cambodia), founder of the Khmer, or Cambodian, empire and outstanding member of the series of rulers of the Angkor period (802–1431).

How Did drought affect the Khmer empire?

A prolonged drought punctuated by intense monsoons that partially destroyed the city’s water-preservation infrastructure led to the 15th century collapse of the ancient city of Angkor, capital of the Khmer Empire, U.S. and Asian researchers reported.

When did the Khmer Empire rise and fall?

The Khmer empire was a powerful state in South East Asia, formed by people of the same name, lasting from 802 CE to 1431 CE. At its peak, the empire covered much of what today is Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and southern Vietnam.

What did the Khmer empire trade?

Trade in rice and fish became a key part of the Khmer Empire’s economy. Use of the Mekong River allowed the Khmer to trade in regions both north and south of the empire. As the empire grew and developed, its trading partners grew in number as well.

What did the Khmer empire do?

The Khmer were great builders, filling the landscape with monumental temples, huge reservoirs (called baray) and canals, and laying an extensive road network with all sorts of bridges -the main highways are 800 km long.

Which city in Cambodia was destroyed by Thai invaders?

Angkor Wat
The king made Angkor Wat his capital and for the next few centuries the city and the empire thrived. But in 1431 the Thais invaded and destroyed the city.