Angkor Wat's Decline: The Post-Jayavarman VII Collapse

After Jayavarman VII's death in 1218, the Khmer Empire faced a slow unraveling. This episode explores the decline of Angkor Wat and the Khmer state post-13th century, focusing on the rise of Theravada Buddhism, the shift from devaraja to sangharaja, the increasing influence of Thai kingdoms like Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, and the eventual abandonment of Angkor. We discuss the reign of Indravarman II, the drain of resources from Jayavarman VII's massive building projects, the conversion of Angkor Wat to a Buddhist temple, and the climatic and economic pressures that led to the empire's fragmentation. Specific inscriptions and Chinese records from Zhou Daguan's 1296 visit shed light on this period of transition. A tale of imperial overreach, religious transformation, and environmental change. #AngkorWat #KhmerEmpire #JayavarmanVII #TheravadaBuddhism #Devaraja #AngkorThom #Bayon #Sukhothai #Ayutthaya #ZhouDaguan #IndravarmanII #CambodiaHistory #SoutheastAsianHistory #MedievalHistory #EmpireDecline #History #FexingoHistory #AngkorDecline Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo