The Khmers [Hardcover]

This is a history of the Khmers, the people who for thousands of years inhabited the wooded interior of Cambodia. One hundred and fifty years ago the representatives of imperial France were astonished to find half-buried within the jungle the still magnificent ruins of vast temples. Justly described as one of the wonders of the world, these were the remnants of the once great Angkor empire. Since then archaeologists and historians have attempted to piece together its history. This book presents the result of these endeavours in the first account of the history of Khmer civilization to be published for many years.List of Plates.

List of Maps.

Preface.

1. Introduction.

2. Images of the Khmers.

3. The Land.

4. Before History Began.

5. The Rise of Cities and Indian Influence.

6. The Beginnings of Khmer History.

7. The Early Khmer Kingdoms and the Rise of Angkor.

8. The Kings of Angkor.

9. The Immortals.

10. Daily Life.

11. Farmers.

12. Ruler and State.

13. Society and Economy.

14. Artists and Craftsmen.

15. Jayavarman VII and the Decline of Angkor.

16. From the Fall of Angkor to 1945.

17. Cambodia since 1945.

Appendix 1: Chronological Survey of Angkor's Rulers.

Appendix 2: The Periodization of Religious Art and Architecture.

Bibliography and Guide to Further Reading.

Index.

Ian Mabbett is currently in the History Department at Monash University, teaching courses covering traditional Asian cultures and religions. His present research interest is in the history of Buddhism. His previous books include Kings and Emperors of Asia