Andrews Cultural Pages 1 Part 1: Cambodia ~ Funan ~ Zhenla (Chenla) ~ Angkor

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History of Cambodia

The history of Cambodia begins many centuries ago with the Kingdom of Funan. The early early records of the Chinese travellers tell of a great kingdom where the king rides on an elephant.

The early period of the Khmers is known as the Pre-Angkor period. The Chinese made records of Funan, which was established in the first century AD. Around the first or second century AD, India made contact with Southeast Asia.

The last king of Funan was Rudravarman.

After period of the Funan kingdom, the Chinese refer to the kingdom of Zhenla. The northernmost region of Zhenla extended as far as Wat Phu, which is in the south of present-day Laos.

In the 6th century, King Bhavavarman I, a prince of Funan, married a royal princess of Zhenla, and thus became the ruler of Zhenla.

Archeological Evidence

The Sanskrit stele of Vo Canh was discovered in Champa, now Vietnam, and is from the early second half of the third century (200-250 AD). This is the earliest inscription which reflects the spread of Indian culture throughout Southeast Asia.

At Oc Eo in South Vietnam, several intaglios have been discovered. These are coins with an effigy of Antoninus Pius dated 152 AD.

The Chinese have preserved embassy records which provide valuable information about ancient Cambodia. The earliest recorded account of ancient Cambodia is by Kang Tai and Zhu Ying, who were envoys of the Wu emperor. The accounts date to the mid-3rd century AD.

A 10th-century inscription tells about the kingdom of Zhenla.

Kings of Ancient Cambodia

Coming up!!! More on Cambodia

1 For links on Cambodia, see bottom of page 1

This page still under construction!!! Check back soon!!!

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Bibliography