VISIT ONE OF THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD
History in a nut-shell
Today's Cambodia occupies only a small corner of the Khmer Empire that from the 9th to the 14th centuries extended over a large part of what we know as southeast Asia. The Khmer called their land Kapuchea or Kambuja, a name that became westernized as Cambodia. It had its origins in Funan, a port southeast of Phnom Penh which was use by merchants and pilgrims travelling between China and India from 300 to 600 A.D. As a result the people adopted many features of Indian culture, including its writing system, dress, cuisine and the Hindu religion.
The first Cambodian king was Jayavarman, who in the 9th century, established his capital near Angkor. He and his successor built up a great empire, which reached its highest point under Suriyavarman II - builder of Angkor Wat - and Jayavarman VII, a Buddhist who built the Bayon temple.
There followed a decline and loss of territory to the Thais. In 1432, Angkor was abandoned and the capital moved to Phnom Penh. The in the 17th century the Vietnamese began encroaching onto Cambodia's territory in the Mekong delta, which the Thais annexed the northwest. In 1864 the country became a French protectorate, which was occupied by the Japanese, and then in 1953 became one more an independent country, ruled by King Norodom Sihanouk.
The first Cambodian king was Jayavarman, who in the 9th century, established his capital near Angkor. He and his successor built up a great empire, which reached its highest point under Suriyavarman II - builder of Angkor Wat - and Jayavarman VII, a Buddhist who built the Bayon temple.
There followed a decline and loss of territory to the Thais. In 1432, Angkor was abandoned and the capital moved to Phnom Penh. The in the 17th century the Vietnamese began encroaching onto Cambodia's territory in the Mekong delta, which the Thais annexed the northwest. In 1864 the country became a French protectorate, which was occupied by the Japanese, and then in 1953 became one more an independent country, ruled by King Norodom Sihanouk.
Although managing to stay natural during the first years of the Vietnam war, Cambodia was eventually drawn in to the conflict and its aftermath, suffering devastation and tragic loss of life under the rule of the Khmer Rouge of Pot Pot. However, the people have shown their characteristic fortitude and resilience and the country is now on the road to recovery as a constructional monarchy. Best of all for travelers has been the restoration of Angkor where it is again possible to marvel at the wonder of a great heritage.
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