Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, which ruled over much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century. The city is home to some of the world's most iconic temples, including Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
But how did Angkor become the capital of the Khmer Empire? A new study using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has revealed that the city was built on a series of ancient canals that were used to transport water from the nearby mountains.
The GPR survey, which was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Sydney and the University of Cambodia, found that the canals were built around the 8th century, about 100 years before Angkor was founded. The canals were up to 10 meters wide and 3 meters deep, and they ran for a total distance of over 100 kilometers.
The researchers believe that the canals were essential for the development of Angkor. The city is located in a relatively dry area, and the canals provided a reliable source of water for drinking, irrigation, and transportation. The canals also allowed the Khmers to transport goods and people from one part of the empire to another.
The discovery of the canals is significant because it provides new insights into the development of Angkor. It shows that the city was not built on a whim, but was carefully planned and constructed over a long period of time. The canals were also essential for the survival of the city, and they played a major role in the rise of the Khmer Empire.
Additional Information
* The construction of Angkor required a massive amount of resources, including stone, timber, and labor. It is estimated that over 1 million people were involved in the construction of Angkor Wat alone.
* Angkor was not only a religious center, but also a major political and economic center. The city was home to the Khmer king and his court, and it was a hub for trade and commerce.
* The Khmer Empire declined in the 15th century, and Angkor was eventually abandoned. The city was rediscovered by French explorers in the 19th century, and it has since become a major tourist destination.
