185. The God Kings of Angkor Wat

In this episode of "Empire," Anita Anand and William Durham-Poole explore the origins of the Khmer Empire, also known as the Empire of Angkor. William sets the scene with a reading about Phnom Kulen, the birthplace of the empire. They discuss the Khmer Rouge's association with the term "Khmer" and highlight the vast wealth and power of the Khmer Empire, emphasizing its sophisticated cities, massive temples like Angkor Wat, and advanced hydraulic agriculture. They delve into the influence of Indian culture, religion, and administration on the Khmer civilization, noting the unique adaptations and transformations that occurred. The discussion covers the role of Brahmins, the spread of Hinduism, and the syncretism of religious practices, as well as the military campaigns and territorial expansion under Jayavarman II. They further explore the scientific and technological advancements of the Khmer civilization, including their sophisticated water management systems and agricultural techniques, and touch on the reign of Suryavarman II and the construction of Angkor Wat.