🌏 The Origin of the Khmer People — Part 1

Before discussing the origins of the Khmer people, we must first consider the origin of humans on Earth. According to anthropology, modern humans (Homo sapiens) first appeared around 200,000 years ago. During that time, humans had developed language skills and could communicate effectively. Prior to that, humans were more like animals, with limited cognitive and communication abilities.

About 100,000 years ago, a population called the Neanderthals lived in Africa. They had larger brains than modern humans and later migrated to present-day Europe. They were tall, fair-skinned, and are considered the ancestors of modern European populations.

Later, around 70,000 years ago, humans migrated to Asia. This group, called the Früh Hominiden, were smaller in size, with yellowish skin, and are considered the ancestors of the Khmer and all other Asian populations.

This population eventually split into different groups. One of these groups was called Austroasiatic. The Austroasiatic group originated along the Mekong River around 70,000 years ago. Further research shows that the Austroasiatic people split into various subgroups about 7,000 years ago.

The Origin of the Khmer People — Part 1 — Map — Migration routes of early Austroasiatic ancestors

🏞️ Early Khmer and Mon Populations

Among these subgroups, the ones we recognize today are the Mon people and the Khmer people. Around 7,000 years ago, the Mon lived in the western region of present-day Thailand and Burma, extending eastward to India, while the Khmer lived in central Thailand, Laos, and present-day Cambodia. Vietnam also descends from the Austroasiatic group but evolved differently due to distinct environmental and social influences.

🌾 Early Lifestyle

About 7,000 years ago, the Khmer people had no states or writing systems. They lived in clan-based communities and moved frequently to search for food. The Khmer were divided into different clans such as Kuy, Phnong, and Jarai. The Mon people also had various subgroups, including the Khas and Mon tribes.

A common question is: if the Khmer and Mon were part of the same group 7,000 years ago, did they speak the Austroasiatic language? Yes, they did. However, over thousands of years, these groups developed their own languages. The Mon developed their language, while the Khmer developed Sanskrit-influenced scripts, resulting in the loss of the original Austroasiatic tongue.