Angkor, the medieval capital of the Khmer Empire, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a hub of culture, trade, and religion. Home to the iconic Angkor Wat, the city exemplifies the empire's architectural prowess and religious evolution from Hinduism to Buddhism. Its advanced irrigation systems supported a thriving economy and large population.
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Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th century CE, known for its cultural and economic significance
Size and Population
At its peak, Angkor was one of the largest pre-industrial cities with a population of up to a million people
Trade and Cultural Exchange
Angkor was a hub for regional trade and cultural exchange, benefiting from its connections to the Indian Ocean trade network
The Khmer Empire's dominion included modern-day Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, with Angkor as its crowning jewel, showcasing its wealth and advanced urban planning
The Khmer Empire was heavily influenced by Indian culture, particularly in its religious and cultural practices
Hinduism
Hinduism was the initial state religion of the Khmer Empire, with the worship of deities such as Vishnu and Shiva
Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism became the dominant faith in the later years of the empire, reflected in the art and architecture of Angkor
The Khmer people, an Austroasiatic ethnic group, were deeply religious, with their faith playing a central role in the empire's cultural identity
Angkor Wat is a famous and impressive temple complex covering over 162 hectares, exemplifying the Khmer Empire's skill in construction and religious dedication
The temple of Angkor Wat embodies both Hindu and Buddhist iconography, reflecting the religious transition of the Khmer Empire
Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its detailed bas-reliefs, grand scale, and complex layout
Angkor Wat served as a mausoleum for King Suryavarman II, featuring stone carvings that narrate Hindu epics and cosmological scenes
Angkor's economy was bolstered by its advantageous position along the Mekong River, serving as a conduit for regional trade
The Khmer Empire was a center for the exchange of various commodities, including ivory, spices, silk, and precious metals
The Khmer were accomplished engineers and agriculturalists, with advanced irrigation systems and reservoirs that enabled intensive rice farming, the staple of the empire's economy
The society was structured in a hierarchy, with rice farmers at the base, providing essential sustenance and labor for the empire's ambitious building projects
00
______, formerly known as ______, served as the capital of the ______ Empire from the 9th to the ______ century CE.
Angkor
Yasodharapura
Khmer
15th
01
Initial state religion of Khmer Empire
Hinduism, with deities like Vishnu and Shiva worshipped.
02
Dominant faith in later years of Khmer Empire
Mahayana Buddhism, superseding Hinduism as the main religion.
