Jayavarman VII

Jayavarman VII, born in 1120 and died in 1218, was one of the greatest kings of ancient Cambodia and an iconic monarch of the Khmer Empire. His reign from 1181 to 1218 was marked by unprecedented architectural and cultural development.

Jayavarman VII, fully named Jayavarman Paramesvara, was born in 1120 and died in 1218. As a king of Cambodia from 1181 to 1218, he is often regarded as the greatest monarch in the history of the Khmer Empire. He is famed for his extensive building programs including the city of Angkor Thom and the famous Bayon temple, characterized by their smiling faces of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Jayavarman VII was also noted for his efforts towards the welfare of his subjects, having built hospitals and roads throughout the kingdom. His reign is often seen as the pinnacle of Khmer art and culture, marking a period of transition towards Mahayana Buddhism which deeply influenced the region.