KHM 101 – Review Paper

Prehistory
4200 B.C. Evidence of excavation at Laang Spean-Northwestern Cambodia
1500 B.C. Evidence of excavation in Samrong Sen
Khmer ancestors lived along the Mekong river and the southeastern part of
the Menam river.
1st Century Khmer ancestor established the first state called Nokor Kok Thlok, Mongkul
Borey, Takeo Province
68 A.D. Hun Tean (Kaundinya or Preah Thong) married to Queen Soma (Liv Yi or
Neang Neak)
Funan Kingdom (Anachak Phnom)
+ Lasted from 1st to 6th century.
+ Capital: Viyathapura
+ Composed of coastal area of south China Sea to the upper Malay
Peninsula.
+ Major port: Oe Eo
+ Located in the lower land of Mekong river and the Giant gulf.
+ Religion: Animism (Nak Ta), Brahmanism, Buddhism
+ Architecture: Brick temples
+ Political system: India
+ King is the emperor and the king of mountain (build relationship with
Devaraja).
+ Policy: Invasion (territorial enlargement)
+ Foreign diplomacy: India and China (politics, trade, and culture)
+ Economies: Agriculture and trade
484 – 514 Kaundinya Jayavarman
+ Wife: Kol Propheavatey ⇒ Son: Kunvarman
+ Concubine ⇒ Rudravarman
514 – 514 Kunvarman succeeded the throne.
514 – 539 + Rudravarman killed Kunvarman and became the king.
+ Since Rudravarman is not a legitimate king that caused the downfall of
Funan in the second half of the 6th century.
+ Son: Virakvarman
Chenla Kingdom (Sorya Vong)
+ Lasted from 6th – 8th century.
+ Emerged around 550 A.D.
+ was one of Funan’s tributary states
+ Chenla = Chen + Lak = Genuine Wax
+ Location: The upper land of Mekong river called Champasak (Laos). This
kingdom located in the south eastern part of Lin Yi (Champa).
+ Capital: Bhavhapura
First king: Ici-Kapu Syayambhu and Apsara Mera
Virakvarman
+ Son: Bhavhavarman
550 – 600 Bhavhavarman
+ The unification between Som Vong and Sorya Vong
600 – 616 Mahendravarman (brother of Bhavhavarman)
+ Son: Ishanavarman I
616 – 635 Ishanavarman I
+ The peak of Chenla
+ Only one Chenla or the Great Chenla

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+ Capital: Ishanapura (Sambo Preykuk)

635 – 656 Bhavhavarman II
+ suppress the internal unrest
+ Son: Jayavarman I
656 – 681 Jayavarman I
+ Daughter: Jayadevi
681 – 713 Princess Jayadevi
+ Internal unrest.
8th Century Rivalry split the kingdom in 2 parts (Upper Chenla and Lower Chenla)
+ Upper Chenla (Land Chenla) consisted of the southern Laos and the
northern territories bordering Tonle Sap.
+ Lower Chenla (Water Chenla) consisted of the eastern territories of Tonle
Sap and the coastal territories.
+ There are many principalities and the weakness of Water Chenla.
+ Water Chenla became inferior.
774 – 787 Sailendra (pirate) invades Chenla.
802 King Jayavarman II reunited the two kingdoms and built the Angkor Empire.
Khmer Empire
+ Lasted from 9th – 15th century or from (802 – 1432)
802 – 850 Jayavarman II
+ founder of Khmer Empire
+ Devaraja Cult (King of God or Universal Ruler) on Phnom Koulen
+ Phnom Koulen:
* Shiva-Linga
* Siem Reap river
* Source of stones
* Transportation
+ Devaraja Cult:
* Celebrated on the mountain
* Mountain Temples (on land and on natural mountain)
* King is universal ruler or king of god
* Shiva – Linga installation
+ Moved to Rolous (Hariharalaya)
+ Capitals to be built:
* Indrapura (Thbong Khmom)
* Kutisvara (Banteay Kdei)
* Hariharalaya (Roulous)
* Amarendrapura (Western of West Baray Bank)
* Mahendrapura (Kulen Mount)
+ Died in 850 A.D. with posthumous name “Paramasvara”
+ Son: Jayavarman III
850 – 877 Jayavarman III
+ Captial: Hariharalaya
+ preserved heritage from father
+ died in 877 A.D. with posthumous name “Vishuloka”
+ no son
877 – 889 Indravarman I
+ Individualism
+ Capital: Hariharalaya
+ cousin of Jayavarman III
+ built Baray Indratadaka (3km × 0.8km)
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+ build Preah Ko temple in 879 A.D. to dedicate to ancestors and

predecessor
+ built Bakong temple in 881 to install Shiva – Linga
+ died in 889 A.D.
+ Son: Yasovarman I
889 – 900 or Yasovarman I
910 + built Lolei temple in 893 dedicated to the ancestor
+ Capital: Yasodharapura (First Angkor City)
+ built baray Yasodharatadaka
+ built shiva – linga (Yasodharei Svara)
910 – 922 Hashanavarman I
+ built Baksey Chamkrong temple in 921
+ Died in 922 with posthumous name “Rudraloka”
922 – 928 Ishanavarman II
+ no accomplishment
+ died in 928 with posthumous name “Parama Rudraloka”
928 – 940 Jayavarman IV
+ Younger brother-in-law of Yasovarman I
+ took over the throne from his nephew
+ Capital: Koh Kei
+ built Koh Kei temple
+ built Baray Rohal
+ Shiva-linga (Triphuvaneshvara)
+ died in 940 with posthumous name “Parama Shivapada”
+ Son: Hashanavarman II
940 – 944 Hashanavarman II
+ succeeded the throne in 940
+ died in 944 with posthumous name “Brahma Loka”
944 – 968 Rajendravarman II
+ nephew of Yasovarman I
+ return the capital to Yasadharapura
+ built East Mebon temple in 952
+ built Pre Rup temple in 967
+ built Banteay Srey temple in 946
+ invaded Champa in 946
+ died in 968
+ son: Jayavarman V
968 – 1001 Jayavarman V
+ succeeded the throne in 968
+ died in 1001
1001 – 1001 Utayatithyavarman I
1002 – 1010 Jayavirakvarman
+ there was internal conflict for succeeding the throne
1010 – 1050 Suryavarman I
+ came to suppress and became king
+ created the Oath (swear) ceremony based on inscription on Phimeanakas
temple
+ built Takeo temple, Phimeanakas temple, Phnom Chiso, Preah Vihea
temple, and Preah Khan Kampong Svay temple.
+ son: Utayatithyavarman II
Utayatithyavarman II
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+ built West Baray (8km × 2.2km)

+ built Baphuon temple
+ second Angkor City called Triphuvanak Chonamony
+ built West Mebon temple
+ died in 1066
1066 – 1080 Hashanavarman III
+ brother of Suryavarman I
+ succeeded the throne in 1066
+ no accomplishment because of war
+ died in 1080
1080 – Jayavarman VI
1107 + was the official king in the northern country
+ Capital: Mohindharapura
+ died in 1107
1101 – Thornindravarman I
1113 + elder brother of Jayavarman VI
1113 – 1150 Suryavarman II
+ was the king of Mohindharapura dynasty succeeded the throne and
dominated two kingdoms in 1113 residing in Phimeanakas Palace.
+ killed Noribtindravarman and Thornindravarman I (uncle) to become the
king
+ he unified the kingdom
+ crowned by Brahman Tiveakor Bandita in Angkor
+ war with Dai Viet, Champa, Mon, and Thai principality.
+ invaded Champa and occupied Vijaya from 1145 – 1149
+ Harideva is the brother in law was sent to dominate Champa
+ Cham King Jayaharivarman I rebelled and killed Harideva
+ Religion: Brahmanism (Vishnu)
+ built Chiso temple, Wat Phu, Preah Vihea, Preah Pithou, Chao Saydeva,
Thomonon, Banteay Samre, Angkor Wat, and Middle tower of Bakong temple.
+ Angkor Wat temple:
* 6 libraries
* 2 ponds: Sarasvati (north) and Porkheni (south)
* causeway represent rainbow accompanied by Naga/Singha
* moat represents the 7 oceans of the universe
* 5 gates
* face to the west
* mountain temple: the middle one represents the Mount Meru (residents
of gods)
* tomb of King Suryavarman II
+ died in 1150 with posthumous name “Parama Vishnuloka”
1150 – 1160 Thornindravarman II
+ cousin of Suryavarman II
+ Son: Jayavarman VII (Jayavorthona)
+ Wife: Chodeamoni
+ believed in Buddhism (give up Brahmanism)

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1160 – 1165 Yasovarman II

+ In 1165, high mandarin officer robbed the throne and became the king
(Triphuvannak Tithyavarman) until 1177.
+ In 1177, Cham King Jayaindravarman IV invaded the kingdom and
dominated until 1181.
+ King Triphuvanak Tithyavarman was assassinated.
1181 – 1219 Jayavarman VII
+ Liberated the kingdom from Champa in 1181
+ Capital: Third Angkor city (Bayon Temple = Jaya Kiri temple)
+ Religion: Mahayana Buddhism (Bodhisattva Lokeshavara)
+ became the king at the age of 56
+ first wife: Jayarajdevi
+ next wife: Indradevi
+ raised two Cham king’s sons (Ungthon Pate and Vithya Non)
+ Vithya Non was titled as Yuvaraja
+ ordered Vithya Non to invade Champa and occupied Vijaya capital.
+ appointed Prince In (brother-in-law) to dominate Vijaya Capital.
+ Cham King Jayavarman V rebelled and Prince In fled to Angkor.
+ Jayavarman VII ordered Vithya Non to invade Champa again and occupied
Vijaya Capital (1192 – 1203).
+ The king appointed Ungthon Pate Kream to dominate Vijaya Capital (1203
– 1220)
+ Champa became tributary state.
+ Temples built:
* Bayon
* Preah Khan, Ta Prom
* Banteay Chhmar
* Nokor Bachey (Kampong Cham)
* Ta Prom (Tonle Bati)
* Angkor Thom Wall
+ built Baray Jayatataka (Neak Poan)
+ built 102 hospitals which were available for 4 castes (Brahman, Monarch,
Vaisthya, and Suthdra)
+ built rest house each 15km
+ built main roads:
* to Champa (57)
* to Phi Mai (17)
* to Chiso Mountain (1)
* Others (44)
+ Bayon Temple
* 54 towers represent 54 provinces
* the tallest tower represents the Preah Someo (Meru Mount)
* lotus represents the universe
* is the symbol of religious unification (Shiva & Buddhism)
* Buddha statue = Lokeshavara
* syncretism of religions (Brahmanism and Buddhism)
* symbol of four faces: Metta (Love – East), Karuna (Compassion – West),
Mudita (Sympathetic Joy – North), and Upekkha (Equanimity – South).
+ Angkor Thom wall (3km × 4km)
+ Five gates:
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* Jaya Gate (Victory Gate)

* Ghost Gate
* North Gate
* South Gate
* West Gate
1220 – 1240 Indravarman II
+ no temple construction
+ 1216 – 1218: the integrated Cham and Khmer soldiers to attack Dai Viet
+ 1220 the withdrawal of Khmer soldiers from Champa
+ There was the rebellion of Siamese at the Menam River.
+ Khmer governor fled from Sokhothai.
+ In 1220, Siamese leader succeed the throne in Sokhothai name
Indrapatidria Tithya.
1243 – 1295 Jayavarman VIII
+ Reaction of Brahmanism and Buddhism
+ Theravada Buddhism was introduced into Khmer society
+ The arrival of Chinese Ambassador Chiv Ta Kwan in 1296
1295 – 1307 Sridravarman or Indravarman III
+ In 1295, Jayavarman VIII abdicated
+ The throne was conveyed to son in law.
+ his daughter stole the Royal Sword
1307 – 1327 Srindjayavarman
1327 – 1340 Jayavarman IX
+ Theravada Buddhism
+ allowed the Brahmanism belief
1340 Revolution of Throsok Phaem
+ Brahmanism was banned
+ Varman is vanished
+ Khmer Empire declined since the last reign of King Jayavarman VII
+ 120 years of internal conflict (1220 – 1340)
+ Siamese enlarged their power.
+ 1351: Siam occupied the Ayuthya
+ Khmer – Siamese War: 3 times
1357 – 1363 King Suryavong
+ Son: Ponhea Yat
+ Liberated Angkor after the first war (1351) with Siamese.
1393 Second war (1393)
+ Ponhea Krek, son of Siamese king Ramaso succeeded the throne in Angkor
from 1394 – 1401.
1421 – 1432 Ponhea Yat
+ third war with Siamese (1420)
+ liberated Angkor in 1421 and succeeded the trone in Angkor for 10 years.
+ abandoned Angkor in 1431
+ relocated the capital to Toul Basan and Phnom Penh in 1432.
Post-Angkorean Era
Chaktomuk Era
1431 – 1464 Ponhea Yat
+ King Ponhea Yat relocated the capital to Tuol Basan in 1431.
+ Ponhea Yat ordered Samdech Chao Ponhea Ke and Oknha Khiev to observe
the location near Phnom Daun Penh.
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+ The king ordered the district governor to mobilize the labour to build
residents, wall, royal courts in a short period and to fill soil surrounding Wat
Phnom and Royal Palace.
+ King Ponhea Yat relocated the capital to Chaktomuk in 1432.
+ The king ordered Oknha Plong (governor of Bati) to dig a canal to drain the
water into Baray. This canal was called Oknha Plong Canal.
+ The capital was name: Krong Chaktomuk Mongkul Sakal Kampuchea
Thebdei Serei Tharabovor Indra Makkeak Borei Rath Reach Seyma Moha
Nokor.
+ built Wat Thoma Lanka, Wat Koh, Wat Buddha Kosa, Wat Peam Plong, Wat
Unalom, and Wat Butumdei.
+ Son: Noreay Reachea, Srey Reachea, and Thoma Reachea.
1464 – 1469 Noreay Reachea
+ succeeded the throne in 1464.
+ built stupa on Wat Phnom Daun Penh to install Ash of the King Ponhea Yat.
+ died in 1469
+ Son: Srey Soriyotey
+ his son is too young to succeed the throne.
+ Srey Reachea succeeded the throne.
+ Srey Reachea liberated some provinces from Siam in 1475.

+ Srey Soriyotey mobilize the troops and took back the throne.
+ Srey Reachea took the troops back but was attacked by Thoma Reachea
at Boribo, Kampong Chnang.
+ The fighting lasted 10 years with no solution.
+ asked assistance from Siam
+ Siam invited Srey Reachea and Srey Soriyotey to Ayuthya.
+ Thoma Reachea succeeded the throne in Chatomuk 1485.
+ Thoma Reachea died in 1506.
+ He has 2 sons: King Sokun Bot and King Chan Reachea.