Key Events

• ca. 500

  The first identifiable Thai speakers emigrate from southeastern China into northeastern Laos. By the ninth century, members of this linguistic group are found in Thailand and Burma.

• 500–600

  According to Chinese records, Funan, a prosperous trading polity centered in southern Cambodia, is overtaken by Zhenla. The relationship between “Zhenla” and early Khmer centers remains unresolved; however, it seems likely that the term refers to one or more polities in the region.

• 500–900

  Settlements, some of large scale, flourish in Thailand, most likely as part of international trade routes linking South and Southeast Asia. The exact nature of these towns and their relationships remains unclear. Dvaravati, a term that derives from Chinese sources and Sanskrit inscriptions on coins, emerges as a major polity. Largely Mon speaking, Dvaravati is known for its standing images of Buddhas.

• 541–547

  Ly Bi leads a short-lived revolt against longstanding Chinese rule in Vietnam.

• 600–700

  The earliest buildings are constructed at My Son in Champa (central Vietnam). This site remains a major center for centuries.

• 612

  The first inscription in the Khmer language is carved at Angkor Borei.

• 618–907

  Chinese authority in northern Vietnam is fortified under the rule of the powerful Tang dynasty.

• 638

  Embassies from Khmer polities as well as Dvaravati are recorded in China.

• ca. 657

  Jayavarman I, traditionally listed as the first ruler of the Angkor dynasty, rules from his capital in Purandarapura.

• 670

  The traditional date for the founding of the Shrivijaya empire centered on Palembang in Sumatra. This maritime trading nation, with strong ties to the Malay Peninsula, flourishes from the eighth through the twelfth century. Shrivijaya supports a major center for the study of Buddhism that is visited by pilgrims from China, India, and other parts of Asia.

• ca. 710

  Prasat Ak Yom, the first of the characteristic Khmer temple-mountains, is constructed in the early eighth century.

• 732–760

  The rule of Sanjaya in Java. His kingdom, known as Mataram, is devoted to the Hindu god Shiva.

• ca. 770–ca. 834

  Jayavarman II returns to Cambodia (presumably from Java) and establishes the Angkor kingdom. In 802, he is consecrated as a devaraja, or “god-king,” establishing this tradition of kingship for his successors.

• late 8th–late 9th century

  The Shailendra dynasty rules in Central Java after gaining control of Mataram and parts of the Shrivijaya lands. The Borobudur, a massive Buddhist monument, is constructed around 825.

• ca. 800–900

  The Nanzhao kingdom of southeastern China controls parts of northern Laos.

• ca. 850–875

  A major Hindu temple group dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma is constructed at Prambanan in Central Java.

• 889–ca. 910/12

  Yashovarman I establishes a capital at Yashodharapura at present-day Angkor in Cambodia. Phnom Bakheng, one of the most famous temple-mountains in the city, consists of a square five-storied pyramid with forty-four large brick towers at the base.

• ca. 900–1000

  The Khmer kingdom of Cambodia expands to incorporate large areas of present-day Burma, Laos, and Thailand.

• ca. 963–979

  Dinh Bo Linh establishes a kingdom in northern Vietnam that is independent of Chinese rule.