The rise and fall of the Angkor Era

At the peak of its splendor, under the reign of Jayavarman VII, the Kingdom of Cambodia extended from the China Sea to the Ménam River, covering an area five times its present size. The Cochin-China, the central and southern provinces of Laos, and almost all of the present Thailand were, at that time, part of the Cambodian territory. Spanning over a period of 600 years, from the 9th to the 15th century, the Angkorian Kingdoms were the most influential powers in Southeast Asia, and attracted visitors and official gifts from as far away as Malaysian peninsula and Burma.

During this period, large-scale irrigation system was developed in the region of Tonle Saab. The availability of water supply all year round enabled the rice to be cultivated 2-3 times a year, therefore doubling or tripling their production. This advance turned Cambodia into a robust and wealthy state, attracted even more newcomers into the Angkor city, and greatly increased the total population in the area. As a result, the kings gained control over more people and territory.

The prosperity and abundance of people in the Angkor city were utilized by a succession of kings to build a series of grand temples. When the last stones were laid by the end of the Angkor era, the vast temple complex covered a total area of square miles. Today, Angkor complex is recognized as one of the world wonders. Everyday, when thousands of visitors come to tour different temples, they cannot help but stand in awe before these larger than life monumental treasures.

Like many empires before her, the Angkorian kingdom rose and fell. No one knows for sure why she declined quickly in the middle of the 15th century. The causes mentioned include epidemics, chronic wars with neighbors, soil exhaustion, change of religion, etc. Whatever the causes, the dramatic downfall resulted in a much weaken, smaller, and even at one point near-extinct Cambodia.