Post-Angkor Period

Quick Facts: Who was Post-Angkor Period?

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Post-Angkor Period

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The historical era of Cambodia from the 15th century decline to French protectorate.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The post-Angkor period of Cambodia (Khmer: ប្រទេសកម្ពុជាក្រោយសម័យអង្គរ), also called the Middle period, refers to the historical era from the early 15th century to 1863, the beginning of the French protectorate of Cambodia. As reliable sources (for the 15th and 16th centuries, in particular) are very rare, a defensible and conclusive explanation that relates to concrete events that manifest the decline of the Khmer Empire, recognised unanimously by the scientific community, has so far not been produced. However, most modern historians have approached a consensus in which several distinct and gradual changes of religious, dynastic, administrative and military nature, environmental problems and ecological imbalance coincided with shifts of power in Indochina and must all be taken into account to make an interpretation. In recent years scholars' focus has shifted increasingly towards human–environment interactions and the ecological consequences, including natural disasters, such as flooding and droughts. Stone epigraphy in temples, which had been the primary source for Khmer history, is already a rarity throughout the 13th century, ends in the third decade of the fourteenth, and does not resume until the mid-16th century.

Career & Major Achievements

Recording of the Royal Chronology discontinues with King Jayavarman IX Parameshwara (or Jayavarma-Paramesvara), who reigned from 1327 to 1336. There exists not a single contemporary record of even a king’s name for over 200 years. Construction and maintenance of monumental temple architecture had come to a standstill after Jayavarman VII's reign. According to author Michael Vickery there only exist external sources for Cambodia’s 15th century, the Chinese Ming Shilu ("Veritable Records") and the earliest Royal Chronicle of Ayutthaya, which must be interpreted with greatest caution. The single incident which undoubtedly reflects reality, the central reference point for the entire 15th century, is a Siamese intervention of some undisclosed nature at the capital Yasodharapura (Angkor Thom) around the year 1431.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Historians relate the event to the shift of Cambodia's political centre southward to the river port region of Phnom Penh and later Longvek. Sources for the 16th century are more numerous, although still coming from outside of Cambodia. The kingdom's new capital was Longvek, on the Mekong, which prospered as an integral part of the 16th century Asian maritime trade network, via which the first contact with European explorers and adventurers occurred. The rivalry with the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the west resulted in several conflicts, including the Siamese conquest of Longvek in 1594. The Vietnamese southward expansion reached Prei Nokor/Saigon at the Mekong Delta in the 17th century.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1327: 1327 Milestone — Recording of the Royal Chronology discontinues with King Jayavarman IX Parameshwara (or Jayavarma-Paramesvara), who reigned from 1327 to 1336.
2. 1431: 1431 Milestone — The single incident which undoubtedly reflects reality, the central reference point for the entire 15th century, is a Siamese intervention of some undisclosed nature at the capital Yasodharapura (Angkor Thom) around the year 1431.
3. 1594: 1594 Milestone — The rivalry with the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the west resulted in several conflicts, including the Siamese conquest of Longvek in 1594.
4. 1863: 1863 Milestone — The post-Angkor period of Cambodia (Khmer: ប្រទេសកម្ពុជាក្រោយសម័យអង្គរ), also called the Middle period, refers to the historical era from the early 15th century to 1863, the beginning of the French protectorate of Cambodia.

Notable Quotes by Post-Angkor Period

“John Crawfurd states: "...the King of that ancient Kingdom is ready to throw himself under the protection of any European nation..."”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Post-Angkor Period

True or False: “The primary source for Khmer history, stone epigraphy in temples, remained a consistent record throughout the 15th century.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Stone epigraphy was already rare by the 13th century and did not resume until the mid-16th century.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alfred de Vigny — Historical peer (Died in 1863) (1863): French poet and early Romanticist, known for his plays and novels.
• Edward II — Historical peer (Died in 1327) (1327): King of England (1307–1327), known for controversial relationships and political struggles.
• James II of Aragon — Historical peer (Died in 1327) (1327): King of Aragon, Valencia, and Barcelona; a pivotal ruler in Mediterranean history.
• Cyprian, Metropolitan of Kiev — Historical peer (Born in 1336) (1336): Bulgarian prelate who served as Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus', known for his writings.
• Emperor Go-Fushimi — Historical peer (Died in 1336) (1336): 93rd Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1298 to 1301, marking a brief but significant period.
• Andrea Mantegna — Historical peer (Born in 1431) (1431): Master of the Italian Renaissance, known for monumental perspective and sculptural figures.
• Borommatrailokkanat — Historical peer (Born in 1431) (1431): Great King of Ayutthaya known for massive reforms and military success against Lan Na.
• Gerardus Mercator — Historical peer (Died in 1594) (1594): Pioneering Flemish cartographer, famed for the Mercator projection and the concept of the atlas.
• Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina — Historical peer (Died in 1594) (1594): Master of the Roman School, defining late Renaissance polyphony.

Frequently Asked Questions about Post-Angkor Period