Jayavarman VII

Jayavarman VII (c. 1122-1218) was king of the Khmer Empire, generally regarded as its greatest builder and one of its most significant rulers. Coming to the throne after a period of internal crisis and a devastating invasion by the neighboring kingdom of Champa, he expanded the empire's territory and undertook an enormous program of construction, including the fortified city of Angkor Thom and its central temple, the Bayon, along with hospitals, rest houses and roads across the empire. Unlike most of his predecessors, who had favored Hinduism, he actively promoted Mahayana Buddhism, which he made the empire's effective state religion during his reign. His building projects, sustained over several decades, represent the height of Khmer architectural and engineering achievement at Angkor.