1. Chapter 12 Asian Empires Lesson 3 The Khmer

2. The Khmer Kingdom One of the wealthiest kingdoms in all of Southeast Asia Ruled over the lands in the Indochina Peninsula. See p.357 Buddhism flourished along with the worship of Shiva and other Hindu gods.

3. The Khmer Kingdom Cont. Jayavarman II in 802 after internal conflicts had divided the kingdom Declared a deva-raja (Hindu for god- king), giving him absolute power

4. The Khmer Kingdom Cont. Used power to build huge army and to force the Khmer and slave people to work on the extensive irrigation system Irrigation was key to success of economy During monsoon season large reservoirs, levees, moats, and ponds helped prevent flooding. Stored water during the dry season so farmers could grow crops 2-3 times/year

5. The Khmer Kingdom Cont. The empires golden age started in 10 th century when the 1 st royal city was set up in Angkor Empires peak was during the 12 th century under Suryavarman II Oversaw building of the temple towers of Angkor Wat (p.356-357)

6. A Stone Wonder Very skilled in art, architecture, and sculpture The best example of Khmer architecture is the Angkor Wat, built to honor the Hindu god Vishnu.

7. A Stone Wonder Cont. Nearly 50,000 artisans, workers, and slaves worked in the temple for 40 years. Today the Angkor Wat appears on Cambodia ’ s flag to remind people of the Khmer culture and its achievements.