Comparing Great Civilizations: Medieval Europe and Khmer Empire

Medieval Europe and the Khmer Empire were two very significant societies, that influenced the cultures that followed these historical periods. They both had similarities and differences in the way they existed, however, they were both independent civilisations that had little influence on each other. By comparing Medieval Europe and the Khmer Empire architecture and daily life we can demonstrate the differences and similarities of each period.

Food was not significantly different as their diets were predominantly meat and vegetables. The type of meat and vegetables was the difference, due to the climatic conditions and where they were located. Medieval people would predominately eat fish if they lived near bodies of water, but their main food would be cabbage, beans, eggs, oats and brown bread. The poorer people would mainly eat a thick stew or soup made with vegetables and grains. For the people in the Khmer Empire, their primary food production was rice and fish. The rice farmers were responsible to ensure that they produced enough rice for everyone. A difference between the two civilisations was that the Khmer Empire made spoons out of palm leaves while Medieval Europe would eat with their fingers. In Medieval Europe, servants carried bowls and jugs of water to each guest, so that they could wash their hands before eating. The rich did this because they ate with their fingers and the guests did not like to see dirty hands touch the food. Since forks were not invented during this time the people of Khmer Empire would fold palm tree leaves into little spades. The food was always consumed with the right hand as the left was considered improper. Both societies had similar diets in terms of meat and vegetable consumption, but the types of vegetables would vary.

Another comparison that existed between Medieval Europe and the Khmer Empire was the type of healthcare hospitals provided. The two civilisations both had hospitals with Medieval Europe providing basic nursing, but not medical treatment for their patients, instead, it was mostly for rest and recuperation. Jayavarman 7th built 102 hospitals because he felt the suffering of his people. The hospitals offered free healthcare. A difference between the hospitals in Medieval Europe and the Khmer Empire was the type of healthcare performed. Medieval Europe hospitals were a place for rest and recuperation. The wealthy would pay for the hospitals and usually run by religious orders. Although hospitals existed in Medieval Europe and the Khmer Empire the type of health care offered was different.

Some several similarities and differences appeared in the type of dwellings that were constructed in Medieval Europe and the Khmer Empire. A similarity between the civilisations was they both used organic material to make their houses. Medieval Europe would use organic material to keep the heat in, but it attracted mice and rats. The floors were earthen and covered with plants and sweet-smelling herbs. A thatched roof would protect them from the weather. The Khmer Empires’ walls were made of braided coconut tree leaves, bamboo covered the flooring and the roof was thatched. The primary difference between Medieval Europe and the Khmer Empire was the size of the house and the various rooms inside. A standard Medieval Europe house would consist of two rooms, one would contain the hearth which would have been the main living area. The other room would be used for cooking where the stone oven was. Although the Khmer Empire used stilts to keep it above flood level, their houses were exceptionally small with only one room for cooking and sleeping because that is where they spent most of their life doing. Therefore, both civilisations were quite similar to the type of material they would make their homes from however, the layout was not similar.

Similarities and differences occurred in the religious beliefs that both Medieval Europe and the Khmer Empire believed in. In both societies’ religion played a major role in their people’s everyday life. In Medieval Europe, the Catholic church was the most important institution. The people believed that God was in control of absolutely everything, life’s joys and struggles were rewards and punishments from God. The Catholic churches in particular Gothic Cathedrals were grand with large arched windows made up with stained glass and mostly made of stone. Animism was the most important aspect of Khmer worship. The neak ta were the guardians of Earth and were consulted in all decisions. The people would build temples made of stone to represent the land. Angkor Watt design is supposed to represent Mount Meru, the home of the Gods. It’s five towers symbolising the five peaks of the mountain, while the walls and moat honour the surrounding mountain ranges and the sea. A difference between the civilisations was that they both believed in different types of Gods. Medieval Europe people would believe in Christianity which is the beliefs and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Khmer Empire people would practice Animism which is the worship of spiritual forces which were the guardians of the earth. Therefore, although they both believe in different Gods, religion was still played a major role in the day to day lives of both societies.

In conclusion, Medieval Europe and the Khmer Empire were two distinct societies with different cultures, religions, political structures, and economic systems. However, both civilizations also shared some similarities, such as their emphasis on agriculture, military power, and the importance of religion in their respective societies. Despite their differences, both civilizations played significant roles in shaping the history of their respective regions and continue to influence modern societies. Understanding their differences and similarities provides valuable insights into the complexities of human history and the diversity of human societies.