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Cambodia History
- Early history: Funan and Chenla
Little is shown of early history of Cambodia, but it is believed
to have been inhabited since about 4000 B.C. In the first century
A.D, the Khmer, who origin are still being debated, began to have
contact with Chinese and Indian group. Various elements of Indian
culture were to have lasting influence on the Khmer.
Funan is the first Cambodia Empire and the first great empire in
Southeast Asia. Funan was heavily influence by Indian political
ideas and ruled until the 7th century. When it was absorbed by the
kingdom of Chenla, which covers what is now Northern Cambodia and
Southern Lao. During this period Khmer lived in rival city-state
ruled by king and prince.
- The rise and fall of Angkor
In 790, the Khmer ruler Jayavarman II came to power. His reign
signaled the beginning of the golden age of Khmer. His dynasty, base
around the city of Angkor, lasted from 9th century to 15th century.
The king of Angkor strove to outdo one other by expanding their
territory and building splendid monuments and public works. One of
the greatest monarchs was Suryavarman II, who built the complex of
Angkor Wat. At this greatest extent, the Angkor Empire controlled of
much of present day mainland Southeast Asia.
After the deaths of its last great ruler, Jayavarman VII, Angkor
began to fall apart. The final blow came in 1413, when Siam
(Thailand) conquered the last capital, Angkor Thom. Cambodia’s royal
capitals were alternately subject to Siamese or Vietnamese invasion
or iterance for almost five centuries. - The Khmer Rouge
(Democratic Kampuchea)
From 1975 to 1979, when the Khmer Rouge controlled Cambodia, the
country experienced the darkest years in its history. Led by Pol Pot
as the prime minister, the Khmer Rouge turned Cambodia into a labor
camp. Theirs was a regime of terror genocide, and attempted cultural
annihilation from which the country is still recovering. An
estimated 1.5 million Cambodians died during the Khmer Rouge years,
from execution, starvation and overwork. The educated and
professional classes were practically wiped out.
In 1979, Vietnamese invaded Cambodia and pushed the Khmer Rouge
toward the Thai border. The Khmer Rouge, however, continued attack
Cambodia and planted thousands of land mines that continue to kill
and maim Cambodia today.
After the second election 1998, Hun Sen became the sole prime
minister of Cambodia, Ranarith was appointed president of National
Assembly, part of government’s legislative branch. In 1999, Cambodia
became a full member of ASEAN, a further sign of the country’s
unification. The surrender of the Khmer Rouge leaders in 1998 raised
hope the factions in Cambodia would work together toward peace.
- A Closer Look at Cambodia
Cambodia is now at peace, but the shadows of the war are long.
The honor of Khmer Rouge years are being exorcised slowly. Life is
changing gradually. Children are going to school again, and families
are living together in peace. The arts and crafts of Cambodia have
also been revived.
The coming of peace, the reinstatement of the king, and the
grandeur that is Angkor has had an impact on the people’s live and
hope. Increased numbers of the tourists are coming to visit Angkor
Wat, and elegant hotels are being built. Cambodia needs the money
from tourism, but it is not clear how tourism will change the daily
lives of the people. |