Angkor and the Khmer Kings

Angkor: The Sacred Empire of the Khmers invites readers on an extraordinary journey through one of the world's greatest civilizations — the Khmer Empire. Rising from the fertile floodplains of the Mekong and nourished by the rhythms of the monsoon, this powerful empire forged a vision of kingship and cosmic order unmatched in the medieval world. From the early kingdoms of Funan and Chenla to the golden age of Angkor under Suryavarman II and Jayavarman VII, the book reveals how the Khmer transformed their landscape into a living mandala — a sacred geography of mountains, temples, and water. Through vivid narrative and meticulous research, this work explores how the Khmer harnessed both the forces of nature and divine belief to create monumental masterpieces like Angkor Wat and Bayon — temples that mirrored the heavens and embodied the authority of god-kings. It also traces the evolution of their religious thought, from Hindu devaraja cults to the compassionate Buddhism of Jayavarman VII, illuminating the spiritual depth behind the stones. But this is not merely the story of rise and fall. Drawing on archaeology, inscriptions, Chinese records, and the voices of modern Cambodians, the book follows Angkor's transformation from imperial capital to enduring symbol. It examines the myths of "rediscovery," the colonial fascination that redefined it, and its rebirth as a cornerstone of Cambodian identity — its silhouette forever etched upon the national flag. Richly detailed and gracefully written, this book situates Angkor within the larger story of world civilization — a tale of power, faith, and resilience that continues to captivate the global imagination. Whether as a scholarly resource or a narrative of wonder, it unveils the living soul of the Khmer Empire — a civilization carved in stone, yet still breathing through the jungles of Cambodia.