Decline of Funan

Economic problemsor

Military conquest?

Decline of Funan

Economy problems

International

trading

routes

changed

“Funan's prosperity declined when ships

changed to a different route and rarely

stopped at Funan's ports.”

Decline of Funan

Military conquest

Chenla invaded

and usurped the

throne.

“Originally a vassal of Funan, Chenla

during the 17th century not only asserted

its independence but only dominated its

former overlord.”

Economic problemsNOT military conquest

Vickery, 1998

Funan was in irreversible

economic, and therefore

political, decline.

No conquest theory is

required to explain its

disappearance.

“…continuity in inscriptions with Chenla

kings showing respect to Funan rulers is

indicative of a gradual and peaceful

transference of power.”