There is little historical data about Preah Khan of Kompong Svay. French scholars argued it had been founded in the 11th century, probably by Suryavarman I. Evidence from sediment analysis suggests that the site was fully abandoned during the late 14th to 15th century, with maintenance to temples and infrastructure ceasing around the mid-14th century. It is notable for its use as a royal residence during the kingdom of Suryavarman II, and served as a military outpost for Jayavarman VII during conflicts with the Cham in the late 12th century. Some of the theories listed by Mitch Hendrickson & Damian Evans about what Preah Khan Kompong Svay actually was include a kingdom of Khmer.