185. The God Kings of Angkor Wat
Empire
Sea lords of Sri Vijaya
Early Khmer history, particularly during the reign of Jayavarman II, relies heavily on a later inscription, which may lack accuracy regarding the actual events 400 years prior. Traditionally, it is believed that Jayavarman II was a hostage in Java, an advanced Buddhist kingdom governed by the powerful sea lords of Srivijaya. This region formed a confederation of maritime traders who acquired wealth by controlling the Malacca Straits, a crucial maritime passage for trade between India and China. The geography of Southeast Asia highlights the strategic importance of the Malacca Straits, which have historically been susceptible to piracy and control by influential maritime powers. Srivijaya capitalized on this by imposing tolls on all shipping routes between these major civilizations.
