Chenla period

The Chenla period (around 6th to 9th centuries) was when the Khmer people gradually unified and transitioned from smaller tribes into a more organized state in Southeast Asia. It marked the decline of the Funan civilization and the rise of Khmer prominence, laying the groundwork for the powerful Khmer Empire. During this time, the society adopted more sophisticated political structures, engaged in regional trade, and started to develop cultural and religious identities that would influence future Khmer civilization. Essentially, Chenla was a crucial transitional era shaping the foundations of ancient Cambodian civilization.