Henry Mouhot discovers Angkor Wat in the Cambodian jungle, kicking off a series of investigations into its history.

• In 1860, French naturalist Henry Mouhot discovered the stone temples of Angkor Wat unexpectedly while searching for insects.
• Questions arose about the creators of the temples, their reasons for building such a complex in the jungle, and their subsequent abandonment.

Historical texts and scientific techniques provide insights into Angkor's significance and scale.

• A 13th-century Chinese eyewitness account surfaced, describing Angkor as a grand citadel.
• Modern archaeological methods and space radar imagery revealed Angkor to be a city as large as London.
• Angkor Wat, a perplexing architectural feat, was part of one of the most advanced cities of its time.

Angkor Wat's grandeur and the Khmer civilization's architectural prowess are examined in detail.

• Angkor Wat is larger than any cathedral, with architecture predating notable European structures.
• The complex featured the world's longest reliefs and was constructed with precision that rivals modern technology.
• Archaeologist Charles Higham's studies contributed significantly to understanding the Khmer culture.

Explorers and archaeologists start to piece together Angkor's past, while the French colonial influence aids in restoration.

• Following Mouhot's journal publication, explorers and archaeologists flocked to Angkor, eager to uncover its secrets.
• The French colonial presence led to significant efforts in the reconstruction of Angkor's temples.
• The translations of Angkorian inscriptions revealed that Angkor was the capital of the Khmer empire, home to 38 kings.

Archaeological findings and historical records paint a picture of Angkor's social and political structure.

• Reliefs depict the Khmer culture and legends, while inscriptions offer insights into social organization.
• The Khmer empire's expansion under its kings and the role of Angkor as a political and religious hub are chronicled.
• The social hierarchy and the role of women in trade and property ownership are highlighted.

New archaeological techniques help to reveal the urban complexity and the true scale of Angkor.

• Recent excavations and radar imagery have shown Angkor to be a complex metropolis with an intricate water management system.
• The Khmer's engineering skills were advanced, enabling them to build a city that thrived in a challenging environment.

The Khmer's mastery over water resources played a crucial role in Angkor's prosperity and eventual downfall.

• The city's success hinged on an advanced water management system that supported agriculture and daily life.
• Changes in maintenance, environmental factors, and deforestation may have contributed to the water system's failure.

Angkor's economy was sustained by a large population engaged in agriculture, trade, and construction for the king.

• Angkor's population may have reached up to a million people, making it one of the largest cities of its time.
• The economy was based on agriculture, slave labor, and international trade, particularly with China.

A combination of internal and external factors leads to the decline and eventual abandonment of Angkor.

• Wars with neighboring states, particularly Siam, took a toll on the city.
• After the Thai invasion in 1431, Angkor was looted and abandoned, and the Khmer court moved to Phnom Penh.

After centuries of obscurity, Angkor's rediscovery prompts a renewed appreciation and ongoing exploration.

• Angkor lay forgotten until its rediscovery in the 19th century, and it's now recognized as a world heritage site.
• Modern-day Cambodia's stability has allowed for continued archaeological work, revealing more of Angkor's history.