{"id":29640,"date":"2026-10-01T13:44:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T12:44:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/jayavarman-ii-and-the-founding-of-the-khmer-empire\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T13:44:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T12:44:48","slug":"jayavarman-ii-and-the-founding-of-the-khmer-empire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.earth-site.co.uk\/Education\/jayavarman-ii-and-the-founding-of-the-khmer-empire\/","title":{"rendered":"Jayavarman II and the Founding of the Khmer Empire"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Jayavarman II: The Man Who Started It All<\/h2>\n<p>Jayavarman II is widely credited with establishing the Khmer Empire, a political and cultural powerhouse that dominated Southeast Asia for centuries. He wasn&#8217;t just a king; he was the catalyst who unified various independent principalities, laid the groundwork for the magnificent Angkorian period, and introduced the concept of the &#8220;devaraja&#8221; or god-king. This wasn&#8217;t a sudden, dramatic conquest across vast swathes of land. Instead, Jayavarman II\u2019s rise was a more nuanced process involving strategic alliances, military campaigns, and a profound understanding of religious and political symbolism. He essentially set the stage for everything that followed, transforming a fragmented region into a single, formidable entity.<\/p>\n<h2>Early Life and Influences<\/h2>\n<p>We don\u2019t have a full biography of Jayavarman II in the way we might for a modern historical figure. Much of what we know comes from inscriptions, particularly the Sdok Kak Thom inscription from the 11th century, which recounts his ancestry and the seminal events of his reign. These sources, while invaluable, are often more concerned with legitimising his rule and the religious institutions he founded than providing a detailed personal narrative.<\/p>\n<h3>Origins and Early Southeast Asia<\/h3>\n<p>Before Jayavarman II, the region that would become Cambodia was a patchwork of smaller states, often referred to collectively as Funan and Chenla by Chinese chroniclers. These were not unified empires but rather a series of polities with shifting allegiances and boundaries. Trade routes, particularly with India and China, were crucial to their economies, and Indian cultural and religious influences \u2013 Hinduism and later Buddhism \u2013 were significant. Sanskrit was a language of the elite and of religious texts, and Indian administrative and legal concepts were often adopted.<\/p>\n<p>Jayavarman II likely hailed from one of these principalities, possibly located in the lower Mekong delta or further north in what is now Thailand. The Sdok Kak Thom inscription mentions his return &#8220;from Java,&#8221; a phrase that has sparked considerable debate among historians.<\/p>\n<h3>The &#8220;Java&#8221; Connection<\/h3>\n<p>The reference to &#8220;Java&#8221; is perhaps the most intriguing and debated aspect of Jayavarman II&#8217;s early life. Historians have proposed several interpretations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Srivijaya (Sumatra):<\/strong> One prominent theory suggests &#8220;Java&#8221; refers to the powerful maritime empire of Srivijaya, based on Sumatra (modern-day Indonesia). If this were the case, Jayavarman II might have been a hostage, a refugee, or even a prince receiving an education or military training under Srivijayan suzerainty. This would explain his later strategic acumen and understanding of regional power dynamics. The Srivijayan empire, known for its naval power and control over trade routes, certainly had the capacity to exert influence over mainland Southeast Asia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Champa or Peninsular Thailand:<\/strong> Another theory posits that &#8220;Java&#8221; could refer to a place within mainland Southeast Asia itself, perhaps a kingdom in what is now southern Vietnam (Champa) or even a region in the Malay Peninsula. This interpretation suggests that the &#8220;return from Java&#8221; might symbolise a reassertion of local autonomy rather than an overseas journey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Symbolic Meaning:<\/strong> A less literal interpretation suggests that &#8220;Java&#8221; might be a more symbolic term, representing a period of exile, study, or even servitude, from which Jayavarman II emerged enlightened and prepared to establish his own independent kingdom. It could even refer to a period where a local ruler was paying tribute or acknowledging the overlordship of an external power, and Jayavarman II\u2019s return signified a break from that subservience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Regardless of the precise geographical location, the &#8220;Java&#8221; connection is crucial because the inscription explicitly states that Jayavarman II &#8220;liberated himself&#8221; from a &#8220;Javanese overlord.&#8221; This act of liberation was a foundational narrative for his reign, establishing his independence and legitimising his claim to rule as a sovereign power. It positioned him not merely as a successor to previous rulers, but as a liberator and the founder of a new order.<\/p>\n<h2>Unification and Expansion<\/h2>\n<p>Jayavarman II&#8217;s journey to unify the Khmer lands was not a single, decisive battle but a protracted process spanning several decades. He moved his capital multiple times, indicating a strategic approach to consolidating power and projecting his authority across different regions. This wasn&#8217;t just about military might; it was also about establishing administrative control, securing resources, and forging alliances.<\/p>\n<h3>Strategic Capital Movements<\/h3>\n<p>Jayavarman II established several capitals during his reign, each move likely serving a specific strategic or political purpose:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Indrapura:<\/strong> This is often considered his first capital upon returning from &#8220;Java.&#8221; Its precise location is debated but believed to be in the lower Mekong region, perhaps near modern-day Kampong Cham. Starting here would have allowed him to establish a base of power and consolidate control over the eastern parts of what would become the Khmer Empire. It suggests an initial focus on the territories closest to his presumed point of origin or return.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Hariharalaya (Roluos):<\/strong> This site, located southeast of modern Angkor, was another significant capital. The shift here suggests a move towards the central Cambodian plains, a more strategically central and agriculturally rich area. Hariharalaya would later become a major centre for subsequent Khmer kings, with temples like Preah Ko and Bakong being built there. This move could have been aimed at securing the fertile rice-growing plains, essential for sustaining a large population and military.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Amarendrapura and Mahendraparvata (Phnom Kulen):<\/strong> Jayavarman II\u2019s final, and perhaps most significant, capital was on Phnom Kulen, a plateau north of Angkor. This site, referred to as Mahendraparvata (&#8220;Mountain of the Great Indra&#8221;), was strategically important. Its elevated position offered natural defence, and the plateau itself had resources like sandstone, crucial for construction. The move to Mahendraparvata was not just a relocation; it was here that he performed the crucial ritual that cemented his power and independence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These repeated shifts were not signs of instability but rather a calculated strategy to project authority, incorporate new territories, and secure his nascent empire. Each move likely involved consolidating control over the surrounding regions, establishing local administrations, and forging relationships with regional elites.<\/p>\n<h3>The Devaraja Cult<\/h3>\n<p>The most pivotal event of Jayavarman II&#8217;s reign, according to the Sdok Kak Thom inscription, was the performance of a ritual on Mahendraparvata to establish the cult of the &#8220;devaraja&#8221; \u2013 the god-king. This wasn&#8217;t merely a religious ceremony; it was a profound political act that laid the ideological foundation for the Khmer Empire.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Ritual:<\/strong> The inscription states that a Brahmin priest named Hiranyadama was invited from Janapada to perform a ritual, taught in India, to ensure that &#8220;Cambodia would no longer be dependent on Java and that there would be only one sovereign who would be cakravartin&#8221; (universal monarch). This ritual involved invoking the essence of Shiva and establishing it within a royal lingam, effectively merging the king&#8217;s essence with that of the supreme deity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Political Implications:<\/strong> The devaraja cult had several crucial political implications:<\/li>\n<li><strong>Divine Legitimacy:<\/strong> By identifying himself with Shiva, Jayavarman II elevated his status beyond that of a mere mortal ruler. His authority became divinely ordained, making dissent not just an act of rebellion against the king, but against the gods themselves. This provided an incredibly powerful source of legitimacy for his rule.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Independence:<\/strong> The ritual explicitly severed any remaining ties of vassalage or dependence on &#8220;Java.&#8221; It declared Cambodia as a fully sovereign and independent entity under its divinely appointed king.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Centralised Authority:<\/strong> The devaraja cult provided a unifying ideology for the diverse principalities that Jayavarman II sought to bring under his control. Allegiance to the devaraja was allegiance to the nascent empire.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Succession and Stability:<\/strong> While subsequent kings would also establish their own devaraja cults, the underlying principle of divine kingship provided a framework for succession and political stability for centuries. It ensured that the institution of kingship remained paramount.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Religious Significance:<\/strong> While politically motivated, the devaraja cult was deeply rooted in Shaivism, a major branch of Hinduism. The lingam, a aniconic representation of Shiva, became the central cult object, housed in the state temple on a central mountain, symbolising Mount Meru, the cosmic centre. This intertwined religious devotion with political loyalty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The establishment of the devaraja cult was Jayavarman II&#8217;s masterstroke. It provided the ideological glue that bound the disparate elements of his burgeoning empire together, giving him an unparalleled authority that transcended purely military or administrative control. It was the intellectual and spiritual foundation upon which the architectural and political wonders of Angkor would later be built.<\/p>\n<h2>Cultural and Architectural Beginnings<\/h2>\n<p>While Jayavarman II&#8217;s reign is primarily remembered for political unification and the establishment of the devaraja cult, he also laid the groundwork for the distinctive Khmer architectural and artistic traditions that would flourish in the centuries to come. His shift of capitals and the establishment of new religious centres reflect a nascent architectural ambition.<\/p>\n<h3>Early Temple Building<\/h3>\n<p>The early Khmer architectural style, influenced by Indian prototypes, began to take shape during Jayavarman II&#8217;s era. While grand temples like Angkor Wat were centuries away, his reign saw the construction of smaller, yet significant, structures. These were often made of brick, laterite, and some sandstone, preceding the widespread use of intricately carved sandstone that characterises later Angkorian temples.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Prasat Ak Yum:<\/strong> Located near the West Baray, this brick temple is believed to have roots in the pre-Angkorian period but was likely remodelled or expanded during Jayavarman II&#8217;s time. Its layout, with a central sanctuary surrounded by smaller towers, reflects early Khmer temple architecture. It also housed an early form of a lingam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Kbal Spean (River of a Thousand Lingas):<\/strong> While not a temple in the traditional sense, the carvings at Kbal Spean on Phnom Kulen, including numerous lingas carved into the riverbed, are attributed to Jayavarman II&#8217;s reign or shortly thereafter. This suggests a strong association with Shaivism and the devaraja cult right from its inception, reflecting the king&#8217;s personal devotion and the ideological importance of the lingam. The act of carving these lingas in the riverbed was believed to fertilise the waters and ensure the prosperity of the land.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Temples on Phnom Kulen:<\/strong> The move to Mahendraparvata (Phnom Kulen) as his final capital naturally led to construction there. While many structures on the plateau are now largely in ruins or difficult to access, archaeologists have identified remains of brick and laterite temples, often associated with his reign. These structures would have served as the initial state temples and residences for the court. The choice of a mountain site for his capital and state temple also harked back to the Indian concept of the &#8216;mandala&#8217; and the cosmic mountain Meru, further solidifying the divine nature of his rule.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These early constructions, even if less monumental than later works, were crucial. They established the architectural language and religious symbolism that would evolve into the breathtaking temples of the classical Angkorian period. They were testaments to a nascent empire&#8217;s desire to express its power and piety through stone.<\/p>\n<h3>Patronage of Arts and Learning<\/h3>\n<p>Beyond architecture, Jayavarman II\u2019s court would have been a centre for intellectual and artistic activity. The presence of a high Brahmin priest like Hiranyadama indicates an emphasis on religious scholarship and ritual.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sanskrit Literature:<\/strong> Sanskrit remained the language of royal inscriptions and religious texts. The composition of panegyrics and religious commentaries would have flourished under royal patronage. These texts served not only religious purposes but also as political tools, legitimising the king&#8217;s rule and promoting the official ideology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Religious Syncretism:<\/strong> While Shaivism was paramount with the devaraja cult, other religious traditions, including Vaishnavism (devotion to Vishnu) and various forms of local animism, would have coexisted. Jayavarman II&#8217;s reign marked the beginning of a dynamic interaction between these traditions, which would later manifest in the diverse iconography of Angkorian temples. Kings often strategically patronised different deities to appeal to various factions and consolidate power.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Administrative Development:<\/strong> The consolidation of disparate regions required more than just military might; it demanded an organised administration. While direct evidence is scarce, Jayavarman II would have initiated systems for taxation, resource management (especially water, critical for rice agriculture), and maintaining a royal court. This early administrative structure would become increasingly sophisticated under his successors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The cultural legacy of Jayavarman II, though less visibly monumental than that of later kings, lies in establishing the foundational principles. He set the precedent for kings to be not just rulers but also patrons of architecture, religion, and the arts, thereby shaping the cultural identity of the Khmer Empire for centuries to come.<\/p>\n<h2>Successors and Lasting Impact<\/h2>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"UTF-8\"><\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"5\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;border:2px solid #f2f2f2\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"display:table-row;vertical-align:inherit;border-color:inherit;line-height:40px\">\n<th style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Metric<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"display:table-row;vertical-align:inherit;border-color:inherit;line-height:40px\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Reign Period<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">c. 802 &ndash; 850 CE<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"display:table-row;vertical-align:inherit;border-color:inherit;line-height:40px\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Title<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Devaraja (God-King)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"display:table-row;vertical-align:inherit;border-color:inherit;line-height:40px\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Significant Event<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Coronation at Mount Kulen, marking the founding of the Khmer Empire<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"display:table-row;vertical-align:inherit;border-color:inherit;line-height:40px\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Empire Founded<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Khmer Empire<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"display:table-row;vertical-align:inherit;border-color:inherit;line-height:40px\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Capital Established<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Hariharalaya (near present-day Roluos)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"display:table-row;vertical-align:inherit;border-color:inherit;line-height:40px\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Religious Influence<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Hinduism, particularly Shaivism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"display:table-row;vertical-align:inherit;border-color:inherit;line-height:40px\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Political Impact<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Unified various Khmer principalities under a centralised monarchy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"display:table-row;vertical-align:inherit;border-color:inherit;line-height:40px\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Legacy<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px;text-align:left;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;line-height:40px\">Foundation for the Angkor civilisation and Khmer cultural identity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Jayavarman II\u2019s reign, though critically important, wasn&#8217;t the end of the story; it was merely the beginning. He laid the sturdy foundation upon which subsequent Khmer kings would build an empire of unparalleled grandeur and influence. His successors continued his work, expanding the empire, refining its administration, and leaving behind a legacy of architectural masterpieces.<\/p>\n<h3>The Jayavarman Dynasty and Beyond<\/h3>\n<p>Following Jayavarman II\u2019s death around 835 AD (the exact date is debated), the immediate succession saw a period of transition. His son, Jayavarman III, and his cousin, Rudravarman, briefly ruled. However, it was Yasovarman I, who ascended the throne around 889 AD, who truly solidified and expanded upon Jayavarman II\u2019s vision.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Yasovarman I and Hariharalaya:<\/strong> Yasovarman I continued to develop the region around Hariharalaya (Roluos) and began the construction of Lolei, a temple on an island in the middle of a baray (reservoir). He then moved the capital to the area now known as Angkor, establishing Yasodharapura and building his state temple, Bakheng, on Phnom Bakheng. This move was crucial as it initiated the development of the primary Angkor region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Angkorian Period:<\/strong> The period from the late 9th century to the 15th century is known as the Angkorian period, a direct result of Jayavarman II&#8217;s initial groundwork. Kings like Suryavarman II (builder of Angkor Wat) and Jayavarman VII (builder of Angkor Thom and the Bayon) would construct the monumental temples and vast hydraulic systems that define the Khmer Empire in the popular imagination. These later rulers built upon the ideological framework of the devaraja and the architectural precedents set by Jayavarman II.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Continuity of the Devaraja:<\/strong> The concept of the devaraja, the god-king, remained a central tenet of Khmer kingship throughout the empire&#8217;s existence. While the specific deities associated with the state cult might shift (from Shiva to Vishnu and later to the Buddha), the fundamental idea of the king as a divine embodiment or representative on earth persisted. Each king often established his own state temple, housing his own devaraja lingam, symbolising his unique connection to the divine and his sovereign authority.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>The Legacy of the First King<\/h3>\n<p>Jayavarman II\u2019s lasting impact is multifaceted and profoundly shaped Southeast Asian history:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Political Unity:<\/strong> His most significant contribution was the political unification of fragmented polities into a single, cohesive entity. Before him, there were numerous independent or semi-independent kingdoms; after him, there was the Khmer Empire. This provided the stability necessary for long-term development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ideological Foundation:<\/strong> The devaraja cult was a revolutionary concept that provided an enduring ideological bedrock for Khmer kingship. It imbued the king with divine authority, stabilised the succession, and offered a powerful tool for centralising power and legitimising rule for centuries. Without this ideological framework, the empire might have splintered much sooner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Capital and Urban Planning Precedent:<\/strong> While his capitals were smaller than later Angkorian cities, Jayavarman II\u2019s strategic capital movements and the establishment of his final capital on Phnom Kulen set a precedent for the importance of sacred mountains, state temples, and water management in Khmer urban planning. The idea of a central state temple, often on a raised platform or artificial mountain, became a defining feature of subsequent Khmer capitals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cultural Identity:<\/strong> By consolidating power and fostering a distinct royal ideology, Jayavarman II inadvertently contributed to the formation of a distinct Khmer cultural identity. The artistic and architectural styles, religious practices, and administrative systems that evolved under his successors were all rooted in the foundations he established. He wasn&#8217;t just a ruler; he was the primary architect of the Khmer state.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Source of Historical Knowledge:<\/strong> The Sdok Kak Thom inscription, which details Jayavarman II&#8217;s life and the devaraja ritual, is one of the most crucial epigraphic sources for understanding early Khmer history. Without it, our knowledge of the empire&#8217;s origins would be far more speculative.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In essence, Jayavarman II was the visionary who transformed a collection of smaller kingdoms into an empire. He provided the blueprint, both politically and ideologically, for what would become one of the most powerful and culturally rich civilisations in Southeast Asia. His actions ensured that his successors had a stable, legitimate, and ideologically unified framework upon which to build the magnificent temples and intricate society that we now associate with Angkor. He truly was the founder king.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>FAQs<\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3>Who was Jayavarman II?<\/h3>\n<p>Jayavarman II was a Khmer king who is credited with founding the Khmer Empire in 802 AD. He is considered the first king of the Angkor period and is known for establishing his capital at Hariharalaya, which is present-day Roluos in Cambodia.<\/p>\n<h3>What led to the founding of the Khmer Empire by Jayavarman II?<\/h3>\n<p>Jayavarman II&#8217;s founding of the Khmer Empire was a result of his successful military campaigns to gain independence from Javanese overlords. He declared himself a universal monarch and established the Devaraja cult, which linked him to the Hindu god Shiva.<\/p>\n<h3>How did Jayavarman II&#8217;s reign impact the Khmer Empire?<\/h3>\n<p>Jayavarman II&#8217;s reign marked the beginning of the Angkor period, a time of great prosperity and cultural advancement for the Khmer Empire. His establishment of the Devaraja cult and the concept of kingship as a god-king laid the foundation for future Khmer rulers.<\/p>\n<h3>What architectural and cultural achievements are associated with Jayavarman II?<\/h3>\n<p>Under Jayavarman II&#8217;s rule, the Khmer Empire saw the construction of several important temples and structures, including the Bakong temple at Hariharalaya. He also introduced the concept of divine kingship, which influenced Khmer art, architecture, and culture for centuries to come.<\/p>\n<h3>How long did Jayavarman II rule, and what was his legacy?<\/h3>\n<p>Jayavarman II ruled the Khmer Empire from 802 AD until his death in 835 AD. His legacy includes the establishment of the Khmer Empire, the introduction of the Devaraja cult, and the foundation of the Angkor period, which saw the empire reach its peak in terms of power, influence, and cultural achievements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jayavarman II: The Man Who Started It All Jayavarman II is widely credited with establishing the Khmer Empire, a political [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":["Jayavarman II and the Founding of the Khmer Empire\r"],"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Jayavarman II: The Man Who Started It All\n\nJayavarman II is widely credited with establishing the Khmer Empire, a political and cultural powerhouse.."],"rank_math_title":["Jayavarman II and the Founding of the Khmer Empire\r"],"_rank_math_title":["Jayavarman II and the Founding of the Khmer 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