Cambodia has a long and rich history that stretches back thousands of years, even before the rise of ancient civilizations like Greece, Rome and Egypt. In fact, it’s believed that the Angkor Empire was founded in 802 AD by an Indian Brahmin priest named Kaundinya as the first civilization of Southeast Asia and one of the most magnificent civilizations in world history. However, much like other countries throughout history, Cambodia has had its share of good times and bad times. But what about today? What does Cambodia look like at this moment in time? How has it changed over the centuries?

 

Prehistory in Cambodia

For centuries, various groups of people inhabited what is now present-day Cambodia. The first recorded civilization in the region was that of the Khmer people, who established an empire that flourished from the 9th to the 13th centuries. In subsequent centuries, Cambodian territory was occupied by a succession of foreign powers, including the Siamese, Vietnamese, and French. In 1953, Cambodia gained independence from France.

 

Angkor Dynasty and its Predecessors

The Angkor Dynasty was a period of great prosperity and achievement in Cambodian history. Founded in 802 AD, the dynasty lasted until 1431 AD. Under the Angkor Dynasty, Cambodia became a powerful empire, extending its influence over much of Southeast Asia. The Angkor Dynasty is best known for its magnificent temple complex at Angkor Wat, which was built in the 12th century. However, the dynasty's legacy extends far beyond this one great monument.

 

French Protectorate

 In 1863, Cambodia became a French protectorate, which lasted until 1953. During this time, the country saw some modernization and westernization, including the construction of roads, railways, and schools. However, many Cambodians resented French rule and there were a number of uprisings against it. In World War II, Cambodia was occupied by Japan but returned to French control after the war ended.

 

Modern Cambodia

 In 1863, King Norodom I signed a treaty with France, making Cambodia a protectorate of the French Empire. This arrangement lasted until 1953, when Cambodia gained independence. However, in 1970, a civil war broke out, and in 1975 the Khmer Rouge came to power. The Khmer Rouge regime was responsible for horrific human rights abuses and the deaths of millions of Cambodians. The regime was finally ousted in 1979 by a Vietnamese invasion.

 

Before We Begin...

 It's important to note that the history of Cambodia is often difficult to piece together. This is due in large part to the fact that, for much of its existence, the country was controlled by foreign powers. As a result, many records and artifacts were destroyed. Additionally, Cambodian society is largely oral, meaning that much of its history has been passed down through stories and legends rather than written documents.

 

Basic Information on Cambodian History

 The history of Cambodia can be traced back to the early Kingdom of Funan. The kingdom, which flourished from the 1st to 6th centuries AD, was located in what is now southern Vietnam and Cambodia. In 802 AD, Jayavarman II declared independence from Java and established the Khmer Empire. The empire reached its height under Jayavarman VII, who ruled from 1181 to 1219. After his death, the empire declined due to internal strife and invasions by the Thai and Vietnamese.

 

Recent Events and Current State of Affairs

 In recent years, Cambodia has been in the news for a variety of reasons. The country is still recovering from the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime, which lasted from 1975 to 1979 and resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people. In recent years, there has been increasing tension between Cambodia and its neighbor Thailand over the Preah Vihear temple complex, which is located on the border between the two countries.