The Siege of Angkor: How Ayutthaya Conquered the Khmer Capital

In 1431, the Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya launched a devastating siege against Angkor, the capital of the Khmer Empire. This episode focuses on that pivotal event, exploring the military tactics, political tensions, and long-term consequences that led to the abandonment of the great city. We examine the role of King Borommaracha II of Ayutthaya, the Khmer King Ponhea Yat, and the strategic weaknesses that made Angkor vulnerable. Drawing on the Ming shi lu and other sources, we piece together the final campaign that ended over six centuries of Khmer dominance in Southeast Asia. The siege itself, the plunder of the city, and the decision to relocate the capital to Phnom Penh are all covered in detail. Listeners will learn about the shifting balance of power in the region, the decline of the devaraja cult, and the rise of Theravada Buddhism as a unifying force under new leadership. #Angkor #KhmerEmpire #Ayutthaya #SiegeOfAngkor #BorommarachaII #PonheaYat #MingShiLu #PhnomPenh #TheravadaBuddhism #Devaraja #Yasodharapura #AngkorThom #SoutheastAsianHistory #MedievalHistory #MilitaryHistory #CollapseOfCivilizations #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo