Early History of Cambodia

The Khmer People in Cambodia were the one of the first to adopt religious and political practices from India and to establish centralized kingdoms with large territories. The earliest known kingdom in the area, Funan, flourished from around the first to the sixth century AD It was succeeded by Chenla, which controlled large areas of modern Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.

Khmer Empire

History of Cambodia talks also mentions how the country of Cambodia came to be called so. The Khmer empire's golden ages were between thirteenth and nineteenth century when the kingdom of Kambuja was in power and ruled regions of Angkor and western Cambodia. The name Cambodia was derived from Kambuja. The Angkorian monarchy ruled the country till 1431 when it was captured by the Thai's and the Cambodian King was forced to take shelter in the southern part of the country.

French Colonial History of Cambodia

After 1863, when King Norodom signed a treaty with the French to establish protectorate over his kingdom, the country came under the rule of the French. A partial agreement for more autonomy was struck in October 1953. King Sihanouk declared that independence had been achieved and returned in triumph to Phnom Penh.

Modern History of Cambodia

A period of civil war between opposing parties and factions ensued from 1970s and peace efforts started to show results only after 1989 and 1991 with two international conferences in Paris, and a UN peacekeeping mission helped maintain a cease-fire. In the mid 90's Norodom Sihanouk was reinstated as King. After some conflict in 1997-1998, a coalition government, formed after national elections, brought renewed political stability and the surrender of remaining Khmer Rouge forces in 1998. Compared to its recent past, the period of1993-2003 has been relatively peaceful in Cambodia. However, political violence continues to be a typical problem to Cambodia history.