Cambodian History refers to the historical development and events of Cambodia, a Southeast Asian nation located on the Indochinese Peninsula. This history encompasses ancient periods, such as the Funan and Srivijaya kingdoms, the rise and decline of the Khmer Empire, known for its monumental temples like Angkor Wat, and the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism on Cambodian culture and society.
The history also includes the impact of colonialism, particularly the French colonization in the late 19th to mid-20th century, and later, the tumultuous events of the 20th century, including the Cambodian Civil War and the Khmer Rouge regime under Pol Pot from 1975 to 1979, which resulted in the genocide of millions of Cambodians.
Post-Khmer Rouge, Cambodia has undergone significant reconstruction and modernization, leading to its current political, social, and economic state. Cambodian history is marked by resilience, cultural richness, and a profound transformation influenced by both internal and external forces.
Cambodia's dark history under the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979) saw over 1.7 million lives lost due to famine, forced labor, and torture. Tuol Sleng, or S-21, now a genocide museum, was…