When we think of the great civilizations in the world, the first ones that come to mind are Egyptian, Inca, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Not many people think of the Khmer Empire or are aware of how great it was.
The Khmer Empire was the greatest player in the political and cultural world of medieval Southeast Asia. Its capital city and greatest legacy, Angkor, was built in such a way that one side was protected by the Tonle Sap Lake and the other three sides by the wild jungle. Its surroundings were hostile, but they offered protection.
A series of well-built highways connected the city with other important settlements and port cities, which the Khmer used for trade. The Khmer Empire embraced Hinduism, and it produced the monument temples that still stand today.
They are often compared to the great temples of the Roman Empire, and the artists who worked on their decorations are referred to as “Khmer Michelangelo.” The king was respected for his divine connection with the gods, and the unique ideology of kingship among the Khmer was probably what made the empire so great. If you want to learn more about the history of the Khmer Empire, get this book now!