History of Cambodia

The fact of prehistoric Cambodia now still remains unable to explain. A very little evident show that there are some tools form a cave discover as early as 4000 bc, which can mark the first Cambodian arrival, so it can be concluded that Cambodian people arrive long before the date.

Funan Khmer Kingdom Period (1st - 6th century)

Cambodia was known as Funan. Funan was visited by two Chinese people and they report every aspect of life in that time.Having a big influence by India, Funan leader took the religious of Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism.

Chenla Khmer Kingdom Period (6th – 8th century)

The capital of Chenla was known as Sambor. The kingdom was integrated from Funan to Chenla by two strong kings, Mahendravarman and Isanavarman.

Angkor Period (8th - 15th century)

This is the period when Cambodian people made the best and largest temples of all time. Angkor Wat temple marked the Khmer emperor. The temple was firstly planned and built by King Suyavarman II but the building was not fully finished, so it was left until King Jayavarman VII. Jayavarman VII was also the builder of Bayon temple at Angkor Thum and several other large Buddhist temples. He was the only king who cared about his people. He also built rest houses along roads and many hospitals, especially irrigation systems to make sure that everyone can make three rice crops a year.
The decline of the Angkor period started from 13th century to 14th century. No historians know for sure why Khmer kingdom started to decline. This may caused the uprising of Thai Kingdom and rebellion in the local area. Another factor may have been the impact of introducing Theravada Buddhism in Khmer Kingdom.

Cambodia Critical Period (15th - 18th century)

Until the middle of 15th century, the whole Khmer Kingdom was at war. The invasion of Ayutthaya Kingdom, Dai Viet, and Toungoo brought Khmer Kingdom to its knees. Now Ayutthaya Kingdom evolved into Thailand, Dai Viet evolved into Vietnam and Toungoo evolved into Myanmar. The huge waves led by the three enemies devastated the whole area and close to destroy the kingdom. However the Khmer Kingdom still could detain its identity and its culture. For four centuries, after the kingdom was slowly destroyed and abandoned Angkor, there is very little information related to the critical period. It still remains to be the dark side in Cambodia's history now.

French Colonization Period (1863-1953)

It caused Cambodian people 90 years living under French colonization. French accepted the request asked by The King Norodom Sihanouk to protect Cambodia from the invader Thai and Vietnam. The weak kingdom was protected by the powerful country French and it could stop the war between Cambodia and the two invaders. Even the war stopped but it didn't mean Cambodia was in peace, Cambodia needed to face with new enemy which was French.

Sangkum Reastr Niyum Period (People's Socialist Community) (1953-1970)

The king Norodom Sihanouk resigned his throne in favor of his father to gain a full-time political career. He formed his own political party which was known as Sangkum Reastr Niyum or People's Socialist Community. Election in 1955 and became the first Prime minister of Cambodia.

Khmer Republic Period (1970-1975)

In March, General Lun Nol leaded a coup successfully and deposed Sihanouk. This time Cambodia stood in United Stated side and sent troops to fight communist Vietnamese. But with his poor equipments, his troop lost to North Vietnam army.

Democratic Kampuchea Period (1975-1979)

On 17 April 1975, the government of Lun Nol finally reached its ending and was overthrown by Pol Pot. They immediately captured Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. They forced people to leave the city and walk on their foot to countryside for agricultural task. At that time they claimed Cambodia as a Democratic Kampuchea, which put Cambodia away from international relationship. To ensured that their Democratic Kampuchea, Pol Pot saw every well educated people as their enemies. Teachers, students, former officers, soldiers and other well educated people were killed during the four years under Khmer Rouge regime. They changed all previous institutions and established a new one. Their objective was to teach everyone to use guns including young teenagers. During the four years under Khmer Rouge control, everything was destroyed but the most shocking result 1.7 million deaths by killing and starvation.

New Born Cambodia (1979-Present)

After the fall of Pol Pot's Regime, the civil war still happened in the country and the new form government led by Vietnam must fight with the remain troops of khmer Rouge, meanwhile, develop the country. In 1989, Vietnam troops withdrawn from Cambodia.
In 1993, UN led the government to form a new constitution restoring the monarchy and naming the Kingdom of Cambodia. Norodom Sihanouk is the king of Cambodia. In May 1993, the first ever general election sponsored by UNTAC brought Cambodia as a real democracy country. The result was that FUNCINPEC won most seats while CPP was the second. The result was not satisfying the CPP leader Hun Sen. It came out with a three coalition form a government with 2 Prime Minister. Prince Norodom Ranariddh from FUNCINPEC was the first Prime Minister and Hun Sen from CPP was the second Prime Minister.
In 2005 King Norodom Sihanouk resigned from his throne and was replaced by his son, Norodom Sihamoni. His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni is the son of His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk and of Her Majesty Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk of Cambodia.