Trade And warfare
Trade: |
A key part of the Khmer Empire's economy was trade in rice and fish. Because they were using the Mekong River, they could trade both north and south of the empire. As the empire itself grew, the trading partners grew as well. Towards 1100, trade routes to the south of India were made, and mainland routes to South-East Asia were developed. The economy of the Khmer Empire began to be better and stronger than its rivals in the region. Every now and then, trade with the north became difficult because of the political instability. Sometimes, raids and wars developed with the people from the are known as Myanmar (Burma), who were attempting to control the key mainland routes.
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warfare: |
The Khmer Empire was a warlike society. Throughout the temples, stone carvings show battles and feasts of great bravery. The Khmer clashed often with the Cham, there closest neighbours. Near the end of the empire they were also in regular disputes with the Ayutthayans, a kingdom of people that live in what is now known as Thailand. The armies used weapons such as spears, swords, bows and arrows. Some officers in the army rode horses but the majority of them went to battle on foot. The Khmer were also famous as a strong naval force, defeating their enemies and throwing them off ships to be eaten by the crocodiles in the rivers and lakes. They also developed their own martial art, bokator, to add to their warrior culture.
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