At its prime, the city of Angkor was home to a million people and the capital city of the Khmer kingdom. The Khmer were so powerful that they held sway over most of modern Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos.
The First Century
Today the ruins of Angkor attract visitors from all over the world and makes up for almost one hundred per cent of Siem Reap attractions. But the Angkorian civilisation dates back as far as the 1st century when Southeast Asia began to grow into a commercial trade hub. Quite like how it is today, playing home to resorts like FCC Angkor Managed by Avani Hotels & Resorts.
Funan and Chendla
After the major “Indianisation” of the region, it was time for the Chinese traders and adventurers. The settlers were called the Funanese and they spoke Mon-Khmer, which attests to the connection the cultures had on the pre-Angkorian periods.
The Beginning
The first dynasty of Angkor began in 802 B.C with the first king Jayavarman II. He was a former Khmer prince who returned to Cambodia after the royal court was sent to Java. He held the title of god-king and established a culture.
The First Capital
Roluos was the first capital and was located 13km southeast of present day Siem Reap. King Jayavarman II reigned over the Khmer kingdom from this capital until his death in 850 B.C.
