LESSON 8.2 How do we know about Angkor and the Khmer Empire?
LEARNING INTENTION By the end of this lesson you should be able to describe archaeological and written sources for the Khmer Empire and understand why there are gaps in evidence.
Tune in It is amazing that Cambodian sculptors around about eight centuries ago could produce such art as the sculpture in SOURCE1 . SOURCE1 A stone relief sculpture at the Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom, Cambodia, carved between the end of the twelfth century and the beginning of the thirteenth century
What event do you think this sculpture could be depicting?
8.2.1 How do we know about Angkor and the Khmer Empire? In this topic, we will be studying South-East Asia during the time of the Middle Ages in Europe. Many historians call this the Classical Period of South-East Asia because it was a time when powerful states emerged, along with great achievements in art and architecture. You will notice some remarkable similarities between China, India and some ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean region; however, you will also notice great differences. The main focus of this topic will be on the Khmer Empire, which was based in Cambodia from about 802 to 1431. To understand how Khmer society developed, we need to examine the bigger picture and study how this civilisation fits in the history of South-East Asia as a region. Khmer society both influenced and was influenced by neighbouring civilisations. This is because, at its height, the Khmer Empire controlled much of modern Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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