King Suryavarman II was one of the most powerful rulers of the Khmer Empire, reigning from 1113 to around 1150 AD. He is best known as the founder and builder of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. His reign brought political stability, territorial expansion, and remarkable architectural achievements.

Suryavarman II led military campaigns to expand the empire into parts of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, and strengthened royal authority through temple construction. He likely died in battle, and his death marked a period of decline until the rise of Jayavarman VII. Today, his legacy lives on in Angkor Wat, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia.

Last Builder

King Jayavarman VII(reigned c.1181 - died c.1218)

Jayavarman VII was one of the greatest kings of the Khmer Empire, ruling from around 1181 to 1218 AD. He restored the empire after a time of crisis and is best known for building Angkor Thom and famous temples like the Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Preah Khan.

He was the first king to fully adopt Mahayana Buddhism as the state religion, focusing on values like compassion and charity. His temples often feature the serene faces of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.

Jayavarman VII also cared for his people, building hospitals, rest houses, and roads across the empire. His reign marked a high point in Khmer art, religion, and architecture, and his legacy lives on in the monuments he left behind.