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The Post-Angkorian era


This era is marked by two contradictory events taking place in the Indochines Peninsula, Cambodia’s declie on the one hand and the development of neighbouring countries on the other.

In 1287, the Siames established their first capital city in Sukhodayak, later moved to Ayudhyá in 1347, and finally to Bangkok, the present-day capital, in 1767. Laos emerged on the territory of ancient Cambodia in a region most likely settled earlier by the Siamese.

As a consequence of the attacks led by neighbouring countries and of internal feuding, the Cambodian capital was moved on several occasions. In 1433, it was moved to Tuol Básán in Kampong Cham province and to Phnom Penh in 1434, under the reign of Kinf Ponhea Yat.

From 1618 to 1626, it is transferred t Oudong under the reign of King Jaya Chettha II, and until 1702, the capital settled in Lovek under the reign of King Thommo Reachea I. King Ang Em (1710-1722), moved the capital back to Oudong, where it stayed until King Norodom (1859-1904) removed it once again to Phnom Penh in 1867.

The most important event for present-day Cambodia is the move away from the Brahmanist and Buddhist religions (Hínayána and Maháyána) long practiced by the ancient Khmers, and the shift to Theraváda Buddhism.


From an architectural standpoint, religious temples made of bricks and stone are replaced with lightweight construction inside pagodas, such as the Vihear and the Kuti.

Stone sculptures are a rare occurrence between the 14th and 16th centuries.

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