Suryavarman I.

Suryavarman I (* in the 10th century ; † 1050 ) was king of the Khmer Empire of Angkor between 1006/1010 and his death .

After the death of King Udayadityavarman I around the year 1000, there was no legitimate heir to the throne, which led to disputes between Jayaviravarman and Suryavarman. Both claimed to be king of the Khmer. Suryavarman belonged to Buddhism and is said to have been of Malay descent. After around nine years of turmoil, Suryavarman I was able to prevail.

Suryavarman's reign lasted for about forty years, and most of the time he had to fight for his rule. He is known as the king of just laws . He had four thousand officials line up in the royal palace and swear an oath of allegiance to the king. Although Suryavarman was a Buddhist, he also allowed Hinduism in Angkor.

Suryavarman's palace was near Angkor Thom . He was the first Khmer leader to have a city wall built around his palace. In 1022 he expanded the territory from Angkor to Lop Buri in present-day Thailand and also into present-day Laos .

Suryavarman had numerous structures built, including Prasat Preah Vihear in the Dongrek Mountains , Wat Ek Phnom and Phimeanakas . He also started building the second water reservoir in Angkor. This so-called Western Baray was created as a 2.1 km by 8 km large lake and is today the largest preserved water reservoir from the Khmer period.

Suryavarman I died in 1050. He was succeeded by his son Udayadityavarman II on the throne.

literature

• Charles Higham : The Civilization of Angkor . 2003.

predecessor	Office	successor
Jayavirahvarman	King of the Khmer 1006-1010 to 1050	Udayadityavarman II.