Khmer Empire

The Khmer Empire was a powerful civilization in Southeast Asia, thriving from the 9th to the 15th century, primarily in what is now Cambodia. Known for its majestic architecture, the empire is famous for Angkor Wat, a massive temple complex built in the 12th century. The Khmer developed a sophisticated society with advances in agriculture, engineering, and religion, heavily influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. The empire was a major cultural and political force, connecting trade routes and fostering art and scholarship but eventually declined due to internal strife and external pressures, paving the way for later regional powers.