1. Decline of Funan

2. Economic problems
or
Military conquest?

3. Decline of Funan
Economy problems

4. International
trading
routes
changed

5. “Funan's prosperity declined when ships
changed to a different route and rarely
stopped at Funan's ports.”

6. Decline of Funan
Military conquest

7. Chenla invaded
and usurped the
throne.

8. “Originally a vassal of Funan, Chenla
during the 17th century not only asserted
its independence but only dominated its
former overlord.”

9. Economic problems
NOT military conquest
Funan was in irreversible
economic, and therefore
political, decline.
No conquest theory is
required to explain its
disappearance.
Vickery, 1998

10. “…continuity in inscriptions with Chenla
kings showing respect to Funan rulers is
indicative of a gradual and peaceful
transference of power.”