The Rise and Fall of the Khmer Navy at Angkor

When we think of Angkor Wat, we picture stone temples and jungle-choked ruins, not warships and naval battles. But the Khmer Empire was a maritime power as much as a terrestrial one. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Khmer navy's origins, its peak under Suryavarman II, and its catastrophic defeat during the 1177 Cham invasion. They trace the riverine routes along the Mekong and Tonlé Sap, discuss the logistical challenges of moving armies through floodplains, and examine how Jayavarman VII rebuilt both the navy and the empire after the Cham sack of Angkor. Along the way, they touch on trade networks stretching to China and India, the role of the Tonlé Sap's unique hydrological cycle, and the naval architecture of Khmer vessels. This episode offers a fresh perspective on Angkor's power—not just as a land-based kingdom, but as a force on the water. #KhmerNavy #AngkorWat #SuryavarmanII #JayavarmanVII #ChamInvasion #TonleSap #MekongRiver #NavalWarfare #KhmerEmpire #AngkorThom #PreahKhan #Cambodia #SoutheastAsia #MedievalHistory #NavalHistory #1177 #MaritimeTrade #FexingoHistory #Bayon #AncientCambodia Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo