6. Khmer Empire (c. 802 – 1431 CE):
Situated around Angkor in present-day Cambodia, the Khmer Empire stood as a formidable and affluent civilization celebrated for its architectural masterpiece, Angkor Wat.
The empire’s grandeur extended to intricate city planning and a sophisticated irrigation system. However, the decline of the Khmer Empire is thought to be linked to a combination of factors, including environmental shifts that may have affected agricultural productivity and contributed to societal strain.
Political instability also played a role, with internal conflicts impacting the empire’s coherence. By the 15th century, the once-mighty Khmer Empire had diminished, leaving behind the iconic remnants of Angkor as silent witnesses to a bygone era. The specific circumstances of their disappearance remain the subject of historical inquiry, enriching our understanding of the complex forces that shaped this once-thriving civilization.