Lost City of Angkor
From the 9th century to the 15th century the Khmer Kingdom was at its height and dominated large parts of South East Asia. At its heart the capital city of Angkor was, in its time, the most extensive urban complex of the world and had as many as three quarters of a million people living there.
In today's perspective the city covered around 400 square miles, an area equivalent to the five boroughs of New York City.
The city of Angkor rose to success through the ingenious manipulation of the seasonal rains resulting from the construction of a complex water system comprising reservoirs, dams and irrigation channels. Though plenty of water was available during the rainy season, the large reservoirs or barays that were constructed allowed control over precious water resources during the dry season and during periods of drought.
This technology provided a continuous and predictable supply of water and plentiful food which resulted in the successful growth and development of the city. This vast complex of waterways however required a high level of maintenance and this, combined with possible unusual weather conditions, may have caused the ultimate demise of this once great civilization.
Like other high technology civilizations such as the Incas, Aztecs and Egyptians the City of Angkor declined in a dramatic disappearing act.
Read MoreIn today's perspective the city covered around 400 square miles, an area equivalent to the five boroughs of New York City.
The city of Angkor rose to success through the ingenious manipulation of the seasonal rains resulting from the construction of a complex water system comprising reservoirs, dams and irrigation channels. Though plenty of water was available during the rainy season, the large reservoirs or barays that were constructed allowed control over precious water resources during the dry season and during periods of drought.
This technology provided a continuous and predictable supply of water and plentiful food which resulted in the successful growth and development of the city. This vast complex of waterways however required a high level of maintenance and this, combined with possible unusual weather conditions, may have caused the ultimate demise of this once great civilization.
Like other high technology civilizations such as the Incas, Aztecs and Egyptians the City of Angkor declined in a dramatic disappearing act.
