Cambodian History: A Captivating Guide to the History of Cambodia and the Khmer Empire

by Captivating History

If you want to discover the captivating history of Cambodia, then keep reading... Two captivating manuscripts in one Did you know that Cambodia is home to Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious building? In 2009, a Cambodian historian took several walking tours of the war-ravaged country. He took photos, and one shows a discarded broken Buddhist statue lying in the green grasses beneath his feet. The artifact possibly dates back to the 1st century CE. Yet it lay there abandoned, instead of being housed in an honored place inside a glass cabinet in a museum. Scholars bemoan the fact that the deeds and even the names of Cambodian kings from its early times have faded like ghosts into the ethereal world of unwritten history. However, what is ensconced in glass cabinets in Cambodian museums are the many skulls of those who were executed by one of the most brutal regimes in the history of the world. Cambodia, or, as it was once known, Kampuchea, is a beautiful country, replete with an incredibly wondrous system of canals. But its history has been marked by the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot, which brought the nation to its knees. Although it has risen from the ashes of genocide, it is still facing a major crisis today. Travel back in time to learn about Cambodia's past, one that was greatly influenced by various religions. For centuries, their beleaguered country was the battleground of many countries other than their own, and during the 20th century, their own men turned on each other. Some of the topics covered in part 1 of this book Some of the topics covered in part 2 of this book Scroll up and click the "add to cart" button to learn more about the History of Cambodia and the Khmer Empire!

Genres: History

218 pages, Hardcover

Published April 30, 2021

Reviews

[Michael Huang · Rating 3 out of 5]

* Prehistory of Cambodia goes back 6-7Kya in caves. Early polities include Kingdomes of Funan 1st to 6th.c.; Chenla 6th.c. to 802; and Khmer Empire aka Ankor Empire. Angkor means “city”, King S II was strong and built Ankor Wat, which is the largest religious monument in the world and the only ruin on a country national flag.

* After 1150, not much was written about the region until 17th.c. During 13th.c. Short account from Chinese ambassador Zhou Daquan is the most detailed. Khmer was barbaric and exotic. The Theravada Buddhists are like today: head shaved, dressed in yellow robe, leaving right shoulder exposed, and walked barefooted. There are also Shaivites (whom Zhou calls follower of Taoism). They occupy monasteries much less prosperous than Buddhist ones. Many people served in some form of slavery. Slaves were usually taken from mountain tribes. Celebration of new year took place in November. This marks the end of the rainy season when the agricultural year started. Khmer had 3-4 rice harvests a year (however, considered unlike for the whole country). During the rainy season, the Tonle Sap Lake would swell up and at the height cover the trees, and only the tips could be seen. Only women traded. At that time, many Chinese came to Cambodia to trade and many even settled down.

* During 17th.c.-18th.c, Cambodia had poor economy, was weak in power, and often became puppet of Siam or Vietnam. Cambodia sought protection from Napoleon III. During the 20th.c., history was more chaotic and heavily influenced by communism (Khmer Rouge and later Viet Cong-supported government). We see their King Sihanouk (reluctantly) became constitutional monarch, then staged a coup to become Prime Minister, was voted no confidence by a democratic assembly who then transferred power back to him when they lost civil war to Khmer Rouge. The country had (at least) 5 names during the century (The Kingdom of Cambodia, The Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, The People's Republic of Kampuchea and The State of Cambodia).

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

From reading these books I felt that I have walked away with more information than I had been aware of. It was nice to get explanation and then some of different topics such as the vast area that was once Cambodia. It amazes me as to how their language was meant to be of value by making it possible for people with different native languages to communicate with each other. Cambodia went through a lot of trials and rulers who, in my opinion, were not focused on the main problem that they should have been during their reign. Specifically how their slaves, farmers, and women should work and be placed. The royal succession seemed to be all over the place and never consistent. You can tell this book is great due to my feelings already coming out. I enjoyed how the author described and shared not only the difficulties Cambodia had, like a massacre, but also what good they have and even for not having so much they still provided to others today.

[Suzanne Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and informative, this book provides a thorough overview of the complexity of Cambodian history. There is both a summary up to the present day covering the various regimes and conflicts. A second section details the kings from the 10th to 16th centuries and their role in building the great temples and cities of Cambodia including Angkor Wat. Absolutely fascinating.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great comprehensive summary of the complicated history of Cambodia. Reccommend to anyone that is interested in Southeast Asian history.

[John Musnicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick historical account

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was quite a comprehensive history and a bit long for my attention span!

[pierre bovington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating History does bones only history and that is good enough for the casual reader.
European writers are understandably not the ideal candidates but I cannot read Khmer.
I like this CH series, and I am working my way through the continent.