Khmer Kingdom

The book argues that the Khmer Empire's success stemmed from its innovative water management systems and agricultural productivity, which allowed it to exert influence over a vast region. However, these very systems, along with a rigid social hierarchy, ultimately made the empire vulnerable to environmental changes, external invasions, and internal strife.

Delving into archaeology, epigraphic inscriptions, and contemporary accounts, the book progresses chronologically, from the empire's geographical setting and early kingdoms to the reigns of key monarchs and the factors leading to its decline, offering insights into the rediscovery and preservation of Angkor.