Angkor - The mystery of Cambodia

To be published on October 17, 2026

Sophie Biard, Irini Biezeveld, Dominic Goodall, Masako Marui, Heng Piphal, Christophe Pottier, Huot Samnang, Chea Socheat, Nhim Sotheavin, Dominque Soutif, Vladyslav Sydorov, Adam Wijker

In the heart of Cambodia lies Angkor, one of the world’s largest archaeological sites. The capital of the Khmer Empire from the ninth to the fifteenth century, Angkor is best known for its impressive Hindu and Buddhist temples, most famously Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

This richly illustrated book shows how our understanding of Angkor has developed, and how historical events shaped this development. New techniques such as lidar are transforming our view of Angkor: no longer simply a city of temples, but a vast and complex urban landscape covering at least 1,000 square kilometres. This sprawling metropolis also encompassed residential neighbourhoods, canals, reservoirs and rice fields. At its height, in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, Angkor is thought to have been home to more than 700,000 people.

With contributions from international scholars, Angkor – The Mystery of Cambodia shows how this ancient city continues to offer valuable insights into water management, urban organisation and the ways in which societies respond to a changing landscape.

Exhibition
October 17, 2026 – May 9, 2027
Drents Museum, Assen

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