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.
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.
