History --- The Angkor Empire started mainly from the 8th century when Jayavarman II became the king in 790 B. C. and settled at Roluos as his capital after conquering several states around. Before this, the country was called Chenla ("真臘") by ancient China. Then Suryavarman II established Angkor Wat in 1113 through 1150, marking the peak of Angkor power.

After that, Cham people from Thailand took Angkor. A prince, Jayavarman VII, expelled Chams to begin his reign in 1181. He established the new city Angkor Thom, centered on the Bayon. The kingdom at Angkor endured until 16th century. In between, a Chinese emissary, Zhou Da-Guan ("周達觀"), came and wrote down a detailed record of the city and its riches in the years of 1296-7. Also in 1431, After Thai people beat Angkor, the capital was moved to Phnom Penh.

In 1863, King Norodom signed a protection treaty with France and the reign became a colony of France until Japan invaded in 1945 during WW II. Sihanouk, a grand grand son of Norodom, was crowned as the king, and in 1953 the country with the name of Cambodia got its independence. After about 30 years of civil wars, the country, being a kingdom, is now ruled by multiple political parties.

(Picture above: Hidden relief seen on a wall of Angkor Wat which shows the founder of the city, Suryavarman II and his servants)