Jayavarman VI and the Angkor Wat Succession Crisis

The Khmer Empire: The Lost Civilization Behind Angkor Wat — Fexingo History · Jul 10, 2026 · 7m · transcript

In the early 12th century, the Khmer Empire faced a succession crisis that pitted a provincial warlord against the established capital. This episode focuses on Jayavarman VI, a noble from the Phimai region who challenged the ruling dynasty and marched on Angkor. We explore the political landscape of the Khorat Plateau, the role of the Mahidharapura family, and the contested transition that set the stage for Suryavarman II's later construction of Angkor Wat. Drawing on inscriptions from Phimai and the Sdok Kak Thom stele, we piece together the shadowy war that reshaped Khmer royalty…