The most famous period in Cambodia's history came from 900 to 1400 AD during the rule of the Khmer Kingdom. The Khmer Kingdom ruled the area and was Southeast Asia's largest empire for part of its history. Their capital city was Angkor where its possible more than 1 million people lived at the height of its power. There are many famous temples build here including the most famous Angkor Wat. In the 15th century the Khmer Kingdom collapsed and never regained its former glory.
In 1863 Cambodia became a protectorate of France. This continued for nearly 100 years until it gained full independence on November 9, 1953.
In the early 1970's Cambodia became embroiled into the Vietnam War. However, things got even worse after the war. A group called the Khmer Rouge took over led by a man named Pol Pot. They forced people into horrible work conditions and around 1 million Cambodians, around 12% of the total population, were killed.
