The Angkorian World

This book offers an in-depth analysis of the Angkorian Empire's history and structure, making it essential for anyone interested in premodern Southeast Asia.

The book The Angkorian World delves into the intricate history of Southeast Asia’s largest ancient state, spanning from the first to mid-second millennium CE. It features contributions from leading scholars who employ a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeology, historical texts, and natural sciences to provide a comprehensive overview of the Angkorian state. This exploration not only highlights the state's structural complexities but also examines its remarkable endurance over six centuries.

In The Angkorian World, the first section sets the stage by providing essential historical and environmental contexts while discussing the sources of data and the nature of knowledge production. Subsequent sections delve into the anthropogenic landscapes of Angkor, dissecting its agrarian, urban, and hydraulic systems. The text further investigates the institutional frameworks that defined the Angkorian state and the economic foundations that sustained it. The exploration of ideologies, including religion and identity, offers readers insights into the cultural fabric of the empire.

The final sections of The Angkorian World reflect on the political and aesthetic legacies of Angkor, elucidating why the concept of Angkor remains vital to its Cambodian descendants today. Enhanced with maps, graphics, and photographs, this book serves as an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of this significant empire in the premodern world.