Khmer Empire (Ætas ab Brian)

From Alternative History

History of Rome-After Ætas ab Brian

Nations to speak of

The Khmer Empire prior to the Yellow Scare, in 2187(1434)

ROUGH HISTORY

[edit] Origins

Ancient Sinican records described powerful thalassocratic states in Indo-Sinica which tied trade routes between India and Sinica by sea since the 950's(200's). The core state that would become the Khmer Empire was called Fou-nan by the Sinicans and Nokor Borei by the natives. It was a major trade stop where Indian merchant ships road the monsoon winds to Nokor and then had to wait 6 months for the winds to reverse and blow them back. Indian influence on the Khmer was great and a unique cultural mix of East-Asian and Hindu architecture, religion, and traditions heavily defined its development. Sea faring civilisations easily grew in Ulterior Australis (Oceana) due to the rich trade of the Silk Road by sea.

Prior to 1556(803) much of Indo-Sinica passed in and out of Srivijava's influence.

[edit] Expansion into Siam

The Miasmata reached Indo-Sinica from its origins in India by mid 1602(849) and lasted until late 1604(851) fading away to the rest of Ulterior Australis.

The depopulation of the Mon, Chao-bon, Kensiu, and Kintaq lands (regions collectively called Sayam, OTL Malay Peninsula and western Thailand) during the Miasmata allowed Khmer's ruler Veasnavarman to expand into the areas [1631-5(878-82)] rather easily once they themselves had recovered. Sinica was still reeling from the Miasmata's effects and putting down revolts, otherwise it is likely Sinica would have gained control instead.

The regions were re-colonised by the Khmer during their relaxed invasions but were not treated as well as the territories closer to the capital.

[edit] Decline

The Khmer Empire used the outdated government system of absolute monarchy. Of all the members of the Concilium Mundi, it was the only nation to fully stick to its traditional ruling structure. Understandably, this caused civil trouble (much like that experienced by the former Muscovite Empire), but even through Nihhon's occupation of the Empire from 2061-7 and the partition of Siam afterwards, the monarchy still commanded full power (actually, during the occupation and for a short time after, the monarchy enjoyed greater loyalty as they served as a symbol for 'freedom' and tradition). So, the emperors of Khmer continued to rule, their government lacking some of the security of more modern systems (and also lacking some that they hadn't bothered to install). Thusly, that Khmer was the only nation in Aisa Ulterior to fall during the 'Yellow Scare' did not seem so suprising after the fact. The country was accepted as lost in 2190(1437), becoming the Konsi-Thang Cartel