The Khmer Civilization
The Khmer or Cambodian civilization, although very little known, was nevertheless—through the Khmer Empire and the archaeological site of Angkor in Cambodia which attests to this —a major power in Southeast Asia .
But what is this civilization?
Several thousand years old, this civilization is said to have begun in the period known as pre-Angkorian (before the advent of the Khmer Empire), with the creation of the Kingdom of Cambodia in the 1st century AD .
It was characterized by a sophisticated and highly developed culture, with a rich history and legacy that continues to influence the region to this day.
According to legend, it was Queen Neang Neak , also known as the daughter of the King of the Nagas (mythical half-human, half-serpent deities of Hinduism) who was the first sovereign of this country.
This was followed by the very powerful Khmer Empire founded in 802 AD by King Jayavarman II .
An empire that ruled for several centuries over most of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia and Burma.
One of the most remarkable achievements of the Khmer civilization was the construction of Angkor, a huge temple complex that was the center of the Khmer empire.
The Angkor site consists of 200 temples located over 400 square kilometers and was the capital of the Empire from the 9th to the 14th century AD.
Angkor was home to a number of impressive temples, including the famous Angkor Wat , which is considered one of the most beautiful temples in the world.
Spread over a site of over 162 hectares and built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, it is the largest temple and religious monument in the world.
A breathtaking archaeological site containing some truly magnificent works of art.
Besides the construction of Angkor, the Khmer civilization was also known for its advanced system of government and highly developed society.
The Khmer Empire was ruled by a powerful and efficient monarchy, with a complex bureaucracy and a well-organized system of governance. The Khmer were also skilled farmers, artisans, and traders, and they played a key role in the spread of Buddhism and Hinduism throughout Southeast Asia.
Despite its many achievements, Khmer civilization eventually declined in the 15th century, partly due to internal conflicts and external invasions by neighboring empires. Today, the legacy of Khmer civilization lives on in the art, architecture, and culture of modern Cambodia, and remains a source of pride and inspiration to the Cambodian people.
Overall, the Khmer civilization was a truly remarkable civilization that left a lasting impact on Southeast Asia and the world. Its rich history and enduring legacy continue to fascinate and inspire people around the world, making it an important and fascinating subject for anyone interested in world history.
An incredible civilization whose youth today continues to create wonders. If you want to discover a Made in Cambodia that you did not imagine , discover without further delay TEVOA , a new concept store and developer of premium Cambodian brands , by clicking on the button below!