Cambodia

Abstract

Neolithic communities, probably linked to migration from southeast China, were established by 1000 BC in the Kompong Cham province of eastern Cambodia. From around 300 BC the Indianized Funan kingdom held sway across much of present-day Cambodia with trading links to China, India, the Middle East and Rome. The state of Chenla broke away from Funan control during the 6th century and over the next 300 years its influence spread to western Cambodia, central Laos and northern Thailand. Cambodia’s southern coast came under Javanese control in the eighth century, forcing Khmer-speaking groups inland. The crowning of Jayavarman II as a deva-raja (or god king) in 802 heralded a long period of regional Khmer domination centred around Angkor.