The Magnificent Angkor: Capital of One of the World’s Largest Empires

Figure 1: Angkor (Image Source: UNESCO)

When many people think about archaeology they think of large scale architecture, ruins lost to time, potentially dangerous jungles or other environmental hazards to get through, and similarly rendered images and themes spring to mind.  These are actually quite true (or were true) for the archaeological site of Angkor, which has been largely restored and currently protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  This monumental site is equally matched in its physical and social grandeur, which will be further discussed in this blog post.

The site of Angkor (Figure 1) is located in Cambodia, and it was originally the capital city of the great Khmer empire that spanned across most of Southeast Asia.  The city itself spans approximately 400 square kilometers, making it one of the largest cities in the pre-modern world.  While it used to boast residences, shops, and other structures made of bamboo, wood, and thatch it is survived by monumental towers, religious structures, walls, roads, and reservoirs constructed of stone and laterite.  It is estimated that thousands of people were needed to construct this city, which was home to commoners and elites alike, based on the magnitude and size of the buildings, the delicate craftsmanship of the artistry, and fine inscriptions and paintings that survive on the walls of various structures.  This assumption is further supported by studies that demonstrate that the laterite used in the construction efforts was quarried from several dozen miles away and transported via waterways.  This alone would have required large scale labor efforts.

Angkor was constructed between A.D. 1113 and 1150, and various parts of the city were constructed by the rules of the Khmer empire.  Angkor’s most famous temple, Angkor Wat, was constructed under the commission of ruler Suryavarman, who had an affinity toward the Hindi god Vishnu.  Various Hindi gods are honored throughout Angkor, which is believed to have meant to model the mythical city of Mount Meru, the homeland of the gods.  As Khmer rulers abandoned Hinduism and began practicing Buddhism the Hindi gods and worship were abandoned and various monuments to Buddha were erected.  The previous Hindi gods were not destroyed, although there is evidence of reconstruction over previously sacred places and spaces throughout the complex.  It is unclear if these were purposeful deconstructions or just reuse of dilapidated spaces.

Archaeologists have learned a great deal of information from the monuments that remain standing at Angkor.  Glimpses into the daily lives of both commoners and elites are provided through hidden paintings that have been discovered throughout the site.  Archaeological excavations within and around the city have also provided insights into the daily activities that occurred within and around the city.  Unfortunately, heavy looting of the area has tampered with some of that knowledge acquisition and interpretation, but overall archaeologists have been able to reconstruct the vibrant lives of the million people who resided at the site.  Extensive trade networks, a military class, religious activities, daily commerce, and more occurred throughout the metropolis, providing insights into the Khmer empire and culture.

Research at the site is ongoing, but it was almost lost.  When the site was initially brought to the public’s attention by the French colonists the site was damaged due to tourism and looters.  When the site was declared a UNESCO World Archaeological Site it was also identified as at high risk of loss.  This attention by UNESCO, however, allowed for greater preservation of the site, which the Cambodian government had been doing for years prior, but the external support was helpful in restoring and protecting the site.  As the years go on and research projects continue there will be more learned about the people who existed at Angkor.

References

Chandler, D. (2019). The Legacy of Angkor. Retrieved from AsiaSociety.org: https://asiasociety.org/education/legacy-angkor

Jarus, O. (2018, April 5). Angkor Wat: History of Ancient Temple . Retrieved from LiveScience: https://www.livescience.com/23841-angkor-wat.html

National Geographic Staff. (2018, September 26). Soar Over Cambodia's Stunning Stone City. Retrieved from National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/world-heritage/angkor/

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (1992). Angkor. Retrieved from United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668/