The Khmer Kings and the History of Cambodia

Book I is the most comprehensive and detailed study of the origins of the Khmer civilization available. It describes how Chenla -- a state under the vassalage of Funan -- came to conquer its master state, before ultimately splitting into two kingdoms known as Land and Water Chenla in 707 CE. Near the end of the 8th century, the Maharaja of Srivijaya (Java) invaded Water Chenla, beheaded the Chenla king, and subjugated the land. Later, Jayavarman II would emerge as the Khmer leader who led his land to declare independence from Java. The kingdom prospered and expanded to the north to found Angkor in the Kambuja Period, replacing Chenla as the dominant state in the region.