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Chenla, known from Chinese records as Zhenla （真腊）, was an early Khmer kingdom. At first a vassal state to Funan (circa AD 550), over the next 60 years it achieved its independence and eventually conquered all of Funan, absorbing its people and culture. The weakening of the Funan state at this time can largely be explained by distant events; the collapse of the Roman Empire and subsequently trade routes between the Mediterranean and China. In 613, Isanapura became the first capital of the new empire. Chenla later divided into northern and southern states, known as "Chenla of the Land" and "Chenla of the Sea", respectively. The Champassak province of modern-day Laos was the center of the northern part, while the territory of the Mekong Delta and the coast belonged to the southern part. Several smaller states broke off from Northern and Southern Chenla in 715, further weakening the region.
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See also
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Sources
"Chenla (Pre-Angkor Era)". History of Cambodia. June 21, 2004 http://www.cambodia-travel.com/khmer/chenla.htm
"The State of Zhenla" History of the Khmer People. April 20, 2006 http://www.asiatravel-cambodia.com/cambodia-history/chenla.htm
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