Southeast Asia has never been united politically or culturally. Throughout history, political power was controlled by those who controlled important trade routes and harbors. Kingdoms rose in Southeast Asia following the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism by Indian and Chinese missionaries and traders. One of the most powerful historic kingdoms was the Khmer Empire, which dominated much of the region's sea trade between India and China from the 9th to 13th centuries. The Khmer were able to build an empire and prosperous cities like Angkor, with its impressive architecture like Angkor Wat temple. Other influential kingdoms included the Sailendra Dynasty in Java and the Srivijaya naval empire based in Sumatra and Borneo that grew wealthy