Imperial Dynasty

Dinastia Varman (Impero Khmer)

Dai picchi avvolti nella nebbia del Phnom Kulen alle torri svettanti di Angkor, la dinastia Varman ha forgiato un impero di pietra e spirito, plasmando il sud-est asiatico per secoli. Il loro lascito perdura nei templi, nelle leggende e nell'ombra duratura della perduta gloria di Angkor.

802–1431Southeast AsiaImperial DynastyHinduism/Buddhism
Dinastia Varman (Impero Khmer) crest

Quick Facts

Years Active
802–1431
Founder
Jayavarman II
Region
Southeast Asia
Religion
Hinduism/Buddhism

Notable Rulers

Documentary Chapters

Timeline

Suryavarman II Begins Reign

Suryavarman II takes the throne, embarking on military expansion and commissioning the construction of Angkor Wat.

Death of Suryavarman II

Suryavarman II dies, leading to a period of succession disputes and instability at the Khmer court.

Cham Invasion of Angkor

Cham forces sack Angkor, plunging the empire into crisis and setting the stage for the rise of Jayavarman VII.

Jayavarman VII Crowned King

After expelling the Chams, Jayavarman VII ascends the throne and initiates a transformative era of Buddhist-inspired reform and monumental construction.

Completion of Bayon Temple

Jayavarman VII oversees the completion of the Bayon at Angkor Thom, a center of religious and political life.

Zhou Daguan Visits Angkor

The Chinese envoy Zhou Daguan visits Angkor, providing a detailed account of court life, architecture, and society at the empire’s zenith.

Theravada Buddhism Gains Dominance

Theravada Buddhism, introduced by monks from Sri Lanka and Siam, begins to supplant royal Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist traditions in the Khmer court.

Fall of Angkor

Ayutthayan forces sack Angkor, forcing the royal family to flee south and marking the end of Varman rule over the Khmer Empire.

Rediscovery of Angkor by Henri Mouhot

French explorer Henri Mouhot rediscovers Angkor, igniting global interest in the ruins and the legacy of the Varman dynasty.

Jayavarman II Proclaimed Universal Monarch

On Phnom Kulen, Jayavarman II performed the Devaraja ceremony, establishing himself as chakravartin and marking the symbolic birth of the Khmer Empire.

Indravarman I Ascends the Throne

Indravarman I becomes king, launching major construction projects such as Preah Ko and the first large baray at Roluos.

Capital Relocated to Yasodharapura

Yasovarman I moves the royal capital from Hariharalaya to Yasodharapura (Angkor), beginning a new era in Khmer history.

Connected Across The Archives

Explore specific connections to other archives—civilizations, conflicts, companies, and treaties that share history with this dynasty.

Explore Related Archives

Royal dynasties shaped civilizations, waged wars, and built empires that influenced modern commerce. Continue exploring the interconnected tapestry of history.