Before the rulers of the Khmer Empire styled themselves as emperors, they had the title of king. Jayavarman II declared independence from the Srivijaya Empire in 802 and established the Kingdom of Kambujadesa with himself as ruler. The rulers continued to have this title until Suryavarman II expanded the kingdom into a great empire and crowned himself emperor. The role of women in the empire was to be queens, servants, daily life (and dancing for the rulers.)