History of Cambodia

Cambodia is a nation in Southeast Asia. Its history spans thousands of years; evidence of human societies returning to 4000 BCE exists. One can divide the history of Cambodia into several broad phases: the ancient, the Angkorian, the French colonial, and the modern.

Ancient Period: 400 000 BCE–802 CE

Over this period, several kingdoms and empires developed in what is now Cambodia. These count the Funan kingdom and the Chenla one. These early communities were much inspired by Indian religion and culture, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism. In the ninth century, King Jayavarman II founded the several-century Khmer Empire. Angkor Wat complex was among the remarkable architectural achievements of the nation. 

Angkorian times span 802 CE – 1431 CE

King Suryavarman II oversaw the Khmer Empire's highest development at the 12th century. Prominent regional power trading with China and India, the empire possessed a sophisticated government. Still, internal conflict and invasions from nearby countries brought the Khmer Empire down at last. From what is Thailand now, the Ayutthaya Kingdom attacked in 1431. 

Early Mediaeval

Rising in the first to the sixth century, the Funan Kingdom was the first civilization ever recorded in Cambodia. Hinduism and Indian civilization defined this empire in a great part. This was the time for several temples, most famously the ancient Angkor Wat, to be built. Rising in might in the ninth century, the Khmer Empire dominated all of Southeast Asia. Originally among the largest cities on Earth, King Jayavarman II built the capital, Angkor. Under the builder of Angkor Wat, King Suryavarman II, the Khmer Empire peaked. 

First century - 550/627 Funan Kingdom 

The first civilization known from Cambodia was the Funan Kingdom. Running from the first to the sixth century, it depended much on Hinduism and Indian culture. People who came to trade from China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Funan Kingdom, especially from Vyadhapura, which is now called Angkor Borei. A lot of great temples were made during this time. 

 Chenla Kingdom: (502/627 – 802)

Once the Funan Kingdom fell, Cambodia started to fragment into several little kingdoms. Of all them, the Chenla Kingdom—which thrived from 550/627 and 802—was the strongest. The Chenla Kingdom was assisted in being defined by Hinduism and Indian civilization. It was also intimately connected to the Chinese empire, which permitted trade and cross-cultural contact. At this time, several religious buildings, like the Preah Vihear temple complex, were under development. 

 The Empire Khmers (802–1431) 

Dealing with a sophisticated structure, the Khmer Empire was a main regional power supervising China and India. Still, invasions from neighboring nations and internal strife were the causes of its fall in the 13th century. In what is now Thailand, in 1431, the Ayutthaya Kingdom invaded it. Ruling from 1181 to 1218, King Jayavarman VII was among the best leaders of the Khmer Empire. Most people remember him from his military successes and major building projects, including the Bayon temple and Preah Khan temple at Angkor Thom. Religion, he also fundamentally transformed Cambodian society and culture. 

Middle Period of Cambodia: 1431–1863

A number of uprisings and upheavals early in the 20th century enabled Cambodia to begin to rebel against French domination. 1953 saw King Norodom Sihanouk promise Cambodia her freedom from France. Sihanouk presided over the country until 1970 when General Lon Nol's military takeover brought about government fall-off. Years of political unrest and civil conflict followed this in Cambodia. 

French colonial period (1863–1953) 

Many events and upheavals early in the 20th century drove Cambodia to begin to rebel against French rule. King Norodom Sihanouk arrived in 1953 to liberation from France for Cambodia. The French forced their language and culture on Cambodia during this period, therefore bringing about significant cultural changes. They also provided modern infrastructure and worked on business endeavors, advancing French interests. More and more, this bothers those under French control. Many events and upheavals early in the 20th century led Cambodia to begin to rebel against French rule. King Norodom Sihanouk achieved 1953 liberation from France for Cambodia. 

Sihanouk, 1953–1970: Authority 

Following his split from France, King Norodom Sihanouk kept almost twenty years of observation over Cambodia. During the Cold War, he adopted a policy of neutrality and maintained close contacts with China as well as the US. Under his supervision, Cambodia saw phenomenal social improvement and economic prosperity. Still, political upheaval was growing in the country as well. General Lon Nol planned a military takeover of Sihanouk in 1970. This declared the start of a stormy chapter spanning many years in Cambodian history.  Later on, unfortunately, this coalition would prove fatal for Cambodia. Under Pol Pot, the Khmer Rouge gained control of Cambodia and instituted a cruel government, claiming millions of deaths from forced labor, famine, and execution taken together. Under Khmer Rouge control, Cambodia was renounced Democratic Kampuchea, and all religions were outlawed. Though considered one of the worst times in Cambodian history, this one covers 

Khmer Republic and the War 1970–1975 

Cambodia was known as the Khmer Republic under the military takeover in 1970; General Lon Nol was appointed president. Under American backing, the fledgling government battled communist forces, including those of the Khmer Rouge. However, internal turmoil and corruption stopped the Khmer Republic from combatting the growing power of the Khmer Rouge with any efficiency. In 1975, they lost and were expelled from their position of control. Millions of Cambodians evacuated their homes or were caught in the crossfire, therefore drastically changing the social fabric of their nation. It also produced a huge migration wave into surrounding countries, including Thailand. 

Foreign participation in the ascent of the Khmer Rouge 

Among other foreign powers, China and North Vietnam helped the Khmer Rouge all through their tenure. Still, the Khmer Rouge had conflicts with several countries that resulted in altered loyalties. Their friendship with China finally deteriorated as the Khmer Rouge began to question their allegiance to the autocratic principles. Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1978, therefore undermining the Khmer Rouge administration. Thus, Vietnamese troops stayed for ten years, invading Cambodia. 

Democratic Kampuchea (inside Khmer Rouge history) 1975–1979 

They carried out extreme social and economic policies during this period, claiming millions of Cambodian lives by means of forced labor, famine, and death. Apart from mass killings of everyone deemed a traitor or adversary, including intellectuals, religious leaders, and ethnic minorities, the Khmer Rouge carried out also. Viewed as one of the worst times in Cambodian history, this period is

Vietnamese Rule (1979–89) 

Vietnam attacked Cambodia in 1979, therefore undermining the Khmer Rouge government. Under former Khmer Rouge member Heng Samrin, they established a new government, the Vietnamese army, and so ruled Cambodia for eleven years. Vietnam had substantial social and economic changes when it rebuilt and modernized Cambodia. Still, there was an ongoing conflict between Vietnamese soldiers and Cambodian citizens. The occupation ended, and a new chapter for Vietnam started when its forces left Cambodia in 1989. 

Genocide in Cambodia and International Trials 

Cambodian society was left shattered by the Khmer Rouge government. Millions of people have perished or been displaced; the infrastructure of the country was in ruins. Aiming only for a few high-ranking people hauled to trial, the Vietnamese-backed government established a tribunal to try former Khmer Rouge leaders for their crimes against humanity; nonetheless, political complexity and challenges in obtaining evidence meant that this goal was not entirely achievable. International groups have lately been trying to provide victims of the genocide in Cambodia justice. Originally opened in 2006 under UN sponsorship, the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) aims to punish people accountable for crimes carried out during the Khmer Rouge period. The ECCC has effectively brought some former Khmer Rouge commanders to trial against all obstacles and criticism, therefore giving some closure to the victims and their families. Many, however, argue that more has to be done to provide Cambodia with justice and peace. 

Modern Cambodia (1993–present) 

The country remains fighting with its past and healing from the tragedy of the Khmer Rouge era. Growing calls for personal accountability for those culpable of the crimes committed under the Khmer Rouge leadership in recent years. Projects aimed at preserving Cambodian cultural legacy have also included efforts at restoring ancient monuments like Angkor Wat. By winning the July 2023 elections unequivocally, the ruling Party of Cambodia extended its decades-long rule. This has raised doubts about national political freedom and democracy.

Government and politics

The King, the constitutional monarchy head of state of Cambodia, and the prime minister are the leaders of the government and have a considerable impact on the country. Under charge from 1979 is the Cambodian People's Party (CPP). Political freedom and violations of human rights under their direction have posed problems, though. In Cambodia, demands for fair elections and democratic reforms have grown more and more in recent years. International organizations monitor a country's political climate and advance democracy and human rights. Having been prime minister of Cambodia since 1985, Hun Sen is among the politicians serving the longest in the world. Notwithstanding criticism and allegations of breaches of human rights, he is still a powerful participant in Cambodian politics. Recently, calls for Hun Sen to step down so that democratic changes and fair elections can take place in the country. He has not exhibited any sign of abdicating his power in the meantime. 

Geography 

Bound to Vietnam to the east, Thailand to the west, Laos to the north, Cambodia belongs in Southeast Asia. Its diversified landscape abounds in mountains, rivers, and coastal locations. Travelling all across Cambodia, industry and transportation largely rely on the Mekong River. Besides, various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries scattered around the country maintain a variety of flora and animals. Cambodia ranks among the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, albeit with so many natural resources. Given rice is the principal crop, agriculture rules their economy. Furthermore, tourism is a big part of the national economy. 

Religion and Culture 

Most of all, Buddhism, in particular, shapes Cambodian culture. Most people follow Theravada Buddhism; thus, daily life and customs depend on it rather significantly. Prominent tourist destinations like Angkor Wat also help the country to highlight its rich historical and cultural past. Furthermore, integral parts of Cambodian society are represented by traditional dance and music. Recently, attempts to preserve and forward traditional arts and handicaps in Cambodia have been launched. Nonetheless, the Khmer Rouge administration had a major influence on many artistic projects since many artists were killed or put into work camps. 

Sports 

Since the national team of Cambodia is playing internationally, football (soccer) is the most often followed sport in the country. Among the classics, there are martial arts like Pradal Serey and Bokator. Other sports including basketball, volleyball, and tennis have drawn increasing popularity recently. The government also works to stimulate young physical activity by modernizing athletic venues. Hosting big athletic events like the Southeast Asian Games, Cambodia has also been showcasing its developing sports sector.