History of Angkor

The lost city of Angkor is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and the former capital…

By Staff , in Places , at November 6, 2024 Tags: cambodia

Find Cheap Textbooks - Save on New & Used Textbooks at AbeBooks.com

The lost city of Angkor is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and the former capital of the Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries), a powerful and sophisticated civilization that ruled much of what is now Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Located near modern-day Siem Reap, Cambodia, Angkor is best known for its grand temple complexes, intricate carvings, and vast city layout, with Angkor Wat as its crown jewel. Over centuries, Angkor was mysteriously abandoned and became overgrown by the jungle, giving it the reputation of a “lost city” until its rediscovery in the 19th century.

Origins and Early Development of Angkor (9th–11th Centuries)
Angkor’s history began with King Jayavarman II, who in the early 9th century declared himself “god-king” (Devaraja) and established the Khmer Empire, laying the foundations for the Angkor civilization. Jayavarman II united various warring city-states in the region, centralizing power around Angkor.
His successors, including Indravarman I and Yasovarman I, expanded the kingdom and built massive reservoirs (known as barays) for water storage, as water management became central to sustaining Angkor’s large population and agricultural productivity. This extensive hydraulic network became a defining feature of Angkor’s infrastructure and a source of its strength.
Under Suryavarman II in the 12th century, the empire reached its zenith, marked by the construction of Angkor Wat around 1113–1150. Angkor Wat was initially a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu but was later adapted for Buddhist worship. Its scale, beauty, and architectural complexity reflect the wealth, power, and artistic achievements of the Khmer civilization.

The Height of Angkor and Its Golden Age (12th–13th Centuries)
Angkor’s golden age was characterized by monumental architecture, economic prosperity, and regional dominance. This era saw the construction of Angkor Thom, a grand city within Angkor with the Bayon Temple at its center, built by Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. The Bayon Temple is famous for its numerous towers with carved faces, believed to represent Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
During this period, Angkor was not just a city but a vast metropolitan complex, covering hundreds of square miles with temples, palaces, residences, roads, and reservoirs. The population of Angkor may have exceeded one million people, making it one of the largest pre-industrial cities in the world.
The Khmer Empire’s wealth relied heavily on its sophisticated water management system, which allowed the civilization to harness the Mekong River’s seasonal flooding and support large-scale rice agriculture. This system helped Angkor sustain its population, buffer against drought, and maintain food security.

Religion, Culture, and Artistic Flourishing
The cultural landscape of Angkor was shaped by both Hinduism and Buddhism, reflecting the religious diversity and syncretism of the Khmer Empire. Many of the earlier temples, including Angkor Wat, were dedicated to Hindu deities, while later rulers, especially Jayavarman VII, patronized Mahayana Buddhism.
Angkor’s architecture, with its grand temples and intricate bas-reliefs, showcases the artistic mastery of the Khmer people. The walls of Angkor Wat, for example, are adorned with intricate carvings depicting Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as scenes from Khmer life, battles, and mythological events.
Sculpture, dance, and music flourished, with depictions of Apsaras (celestial dancers) carved into temple walls, embodying the elegance and grace of Khmer art. Angkor became a spiritual and cultural center, attracting monks, scholars, and artisans from across Southeast Asia.

Decline and Abandonment of Angkor (14th–15th Centuries)
By the 14th century, Angkor began to decline. Historians believe a combination of factors contributed to its downfall:
Environmental Challenges: Evidence suggests that a series of severe droughts, followed by intense monsoons, strained Angkor’s water management system. The complex network of reservoirs and canals may have been damaged or overwhelmed, undermining agricultural production and destabilizing the region.
Invasions and Warfare: Angkor faced increasing threats from neighboring powers, particularly the Ayutthaya Kingdom of Siam (modern-day Thailand). Repeated invasions weakened Angkor’s defenses, and in 1431, Ayutthayan forces sacked the city, dealing a severe blow to the empire.
Economic and Religious Shifts: As trade routes shifted and maritime trade grew in importance, coastal cities became more prosperous, while inland Angkor lost its economic relevance. Additionally, Theravada Buddhism, which required less monumental temple construction, became the dominant religion, reducing the need for massive building projects.
By the late 15th century, Angkor was largely abandoned, and the Khmer capital moved to Phnom Penh. Angkor’s temples and infrastructure gradually fell into disrepair and were overtaken by the jungle.

Rediscovery and Restoration of Angkor (19th Century–Present)
After being forgotten for centuries, Angkor was “rediscovered” by Western explorers in the 19th century, notably by French naturalist Henri Mouhot in 1860. His accounts of Angkor Wat’s grandeur captured the world’s attention and sparked international interest in the site.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the French colonial government in Cambodia began efforts to clear the jungle from Angkor’s ruins and restore the temples. The École française d’Extrême-Orient (EFEO) took on the task of restoring Angkor, conducting extensive studies and excavation work.
Angkor Wat was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, further cementing its status as a global cultural treasure and increasing conservation efforts. Despite challenges like looting, deforestation, and damage from tourism, ongoing restoration and preservation initiatives have helped protect Angkor for future generations.

Angkor Today: Tourism, Challenges, and Cultural Heritage
Today, Angkor is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, drawing millions of tourists each year. Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, and other temples have become iconic symbols of Cambodia’s cultural heritage.
However, the influx of tourists has posed significant challenges, including structural wear, environmental degradation, and strain on local resources. Organizations like UNESCO and the Cambodian government work to balance preservation with tourism to ensure the sustainability of Angkor.
Angkor’s rediscovery has also reignited interest in the history of the Khmer Empire, helping Cambodians reconnect with their past. The site remains a powerful symbol of national pride and resilience for Cambodia.

Significance and Legacy of Angkor
Architectural Achievement: Angkor is a masterpiece of architecture, with Angkor Wat recognized as the largest religious monument in the world. Its design, engineering, and artistry demonstrate the Khmer Empire’s advanced understanding of architecture, hydraulics, and art.
Cultural Influence: Angkor’s legacy has influenced Southeast Asian culture, art, and religion for centuries. Its integration of Hinduism and Buddhism reflects the region’s religious diversity, and its artistic styles have shaped the visual culture of the region.
Historical Insights: Angkor’s ruins provide valuable insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and governance of the Khmer Empire. The carvings depict various aspects of Khmer society, from warfare and religion to everyday life, making Angkor a vital historical and archaeological record.