Legendary history Many details of the history of South-East Asian societies are still a mystery. Like the ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese and others, these societies had legends about their origins. However, these legends are sometimes contradicted by other sources. For example, there are legends that place Tai peoples in northern Thailand long before archaeological evidence does.
Inscriptions and other written sources
The only written primary sources from most South-East Asian societies during this period are inscriptions on materials such as stone pillars and gold foil. Sources from other societies can provide more information. For example, Chinese records discuss contact with parts of South-East Asia. The most useful of these is an account written by Zhou Daguan, a Chinese diplomat who stayed at the Khmer royal court at Angkor in 1296–97. Also, from the sixteenth century, we have records from European contacts. Archaeological evidence The most striking evidence comes from archaeological sites, especially temples. The most impressive of all the temple complexes is at Angkor, the capital of the Khmer Empire at the height of its power. Angkor’s temples were originally Hindu temples, but they later became Buddhist and had images of Buddha added to them. Inscriptions in the Angkor temples tell us about religion and rulers. Relief sculptures, such as the one in SOURCE1 , show scenes that include peasants ploughing fields, women in childbirth, market scenes, palace life and soldiers going to war. Evidence from Angkor also helps us to gain an understanding of neighbouring societies, such as the emerging kingdoms in Thailand that were influenced by Angkor.
SkillBuilder discussion Using historical sources 1. What do you think was the purpose of creating such enormous sculptures at Angkor?
2. How do the relief
sculptures at Angkor depict the daily life and cultural practices of the Khmer Empire?
3. What similarities and differences can you identify between the
artistic styles of Angkor and those of other ancient civilisations?
SOURCE2 Enormous sculpted faces tower over the Bayon Temple at Angkor.
SOURCE3 A relief sculpture at Angkor
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator