# Funan's embassies to China, 517–539 (517–539)

URL: https://allhistories.com/cambodia/timeline/517-funan-s-embassies-to-china-517-539
Location: Funan and Liang China
Themes: main-event

Wikipedia lists missions to China in 517, 519, 520, 530, 535 and 539 sent by Rudravarman. The king was recognised there as the Funanese ruler in 517, despite the dynastic dispute with Queen Kulaprabhavati, and the embassies continued until the final years of his reign. The missions follow the pattern of the long tribute relationship that Britannica says lasted about 300 years. They carried gifts, sought recognition and took advantage of the Liang court's interest in Buddhism, a theme developed in the king's offer of a Buddha hair relic and in missions led by Indian monks. Chinese annals provide most of the dates and describe Rudravarman as the last king of Funan. The embassies show diplomatic energy in a state that was soon to lose control of its inland vassals, and their Chinese records are a principal source for late Funan. At this point in the timeline (517), King Rudravarman (514 – 545) ruled Funan. Reign dates for this ruler are disputed between sources.

## Why it matters
They show Funan's late diplomatic strategy on the eve of its decline.

Ruler at the Time: [King Rudravarman](https://allhistories.com/cambodia/rulers/rudravarman)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Rudravarman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudravarman)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica — Funan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Funan)
- [Wikipedia — Kulaprabhavati](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulaprabhavati)