The Khmer Empire, from 802 CE to 1431 CE, was a dominant force in Southeast Asia, renowned for building Angkor Wat and its spiritual blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Khmer kings were seen as god-kings, linking religion with governance.The mythology of the Khmer Empire featured beings like Naga, a serpent deity, and Garuda, a bird-man figure. These creatures represented the empire’s connection to divine powers, influencing both religious and political life.