Geography



The Angkor/Khmer empire took up a huge portion of South Asia. The empire was big enough to reach Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. The entire Khmer empire is made up of groups of smaller Khmer kingdoms. The Empires capital would change constantly due to the quick changes of rulers or kings. These capitals include: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Jayendanagari, Yasodharapura and Hariharata. All of these cities were located at fertile regions of the Tonle Sap. Most of these cities are located very close to each other which allows for easy access from city to city. The climate of the Khmer Empire was extremely hot so the Khmer people were only clothed from the waist down.

The Angkor empire was a dominant state in South East Asia, lasting from approximately 802 CE to 1431 CE. At its prime, the empire covered much of what today is Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Southern Vietnam.

Rivers played a big part in the survival of the Angkor empire, these rivers and lakes provided a great supply of fish, and people were able to build floating houses and villages.

The waters also allowed access to trade along the upper reaches of the Mekong River. Downstream, the Mekong connected the empire to the outside world via Gulf of Siam. (AKA Gulf of Thailand)

By Blake Preusker

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