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Suryavarman II The King Who Built Angkor Wat
Season 4
Episode 179
Published 2 weeks ago
Description
In this episode of The Khmer Empire's Sudden Collapse Explained, Lucas and Luna explore the reign of Suryavarman II, the 12th-century Khmer king who built Angkor Wat. They discuss his military campaigns against Champa and Dai Viet, his devotion to Vishnu, and the temple's role as a cosmic monument. They also examine the political and economic strains that followed his death, setting the stage for the empire's decline. Along the way, they touch on the bas-reliefs depicting heaven and hell, the Angkor Wat as a microcosm of the Hindu universe, and the king's sudden disappearance from historical records. This episode offers a fresh perspective on one of history's greatest architectural wonders and the man behind it.