Immerse Yourself in the History of the Khmer Civilization
The Angkor archaeological site was once the capital of the Khmer Empire, which ruled over the Indochinese peninsula from the 9th to the 14th century AD.
Thanks to the wealth of archaeological remains, historians have been able to trace the history of this empire, officially proclaimed in 802 by Jayavarman II, who ended Java’s (modern-day Indonesia) domination over what is now Cambodia. The Empire was declared, along with the divine status of its leader — the “King of Kings.” Jayavarman II established a form of theocracy in which the king was considered the living equal of a god. For more than a century, the empire expanded and flourished.
For several centuries, despite numerous wars, Angkor remained the capital and witnessed the construction of ever more impressive monuments. The most famous, Angkor Wat, was completed in 1150 after 37 years of construction. Jayavarman VII, remembered as Angkor’s last great king, founded Angkor Thom, the new royal city, at the beginning of the 13th century.
The Khmer Empire collapsed in the 14th century, conquered by the Cham.
Visiting the temples of Angkor is not only about exploring the ruins of a single city but of several royal capitals, each of which flourished for decades. It also means immersing yourself in the Khmer civilization and discovering the state cult known as devarāja.
Our Cambodia extensions will guide you through this extraordinary heritage, allowing you to experience the grandeur of this remarkable civilization.
