Khmer empire

Southeast Asian state that was founded in 802 CE and declined in 1431 CE. At its height, the Khmer empire encompassed modern-day Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and southern Vietnam. Maritime trade with India deeply influenced its material and spiritual culture — Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Buddhism were favoured by Khmer royalty, and Khmer art often reflects a composite Hindu-Buddhist iconography. For most of the empire’s history, its capital was located in the city of Angkor, where Khmer kings commissioned the construction of the elaborate, sprawling Hindu-Buddhist temple Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious complex.