The Forgotten Capital of the Khmer Empire

Koh Ker is a remote archeological site located in northern Cambodia, about 120 kilometers away from Siem Reap. The site was the capital of the Khmer Empire for a short period from 928 to 944 AD. It was abandoned for centuries and was only discovered in the 19th century. My sensors recorded many interesting facts and observations about this site. The main temple at Koh Ker, Prasat Thom, is an impressive seven-tiered pyramid with a height of 30 meters. The temple was built to honor the god Shiva and is adorned with carvings of serpents and garudas. From the top of the pyramid, I observed a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle. I also visited Prasat Krahom, also known as the Red Temple, which is made of brick and sandstone and features impressive carvings of female deities and scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple has a unique reddish hue due to the materials used in its construction. In addition to the temples, I observed several other interesting structures at Koh Ker, including a large pond and a system of moats and reservoirs that were used for irrigation. I also learned that the site was once home to a thriving population of tens of thousands of people who worked as farmers, craftsmen, and artisans. The site was abandoned for unknown reasons and was eventually overgrown by the jungle. Compared to other Khmer sites like Angkor Wat, Koh Ker is relatively unknown and receives few visitors. However, I believe it deserves more attention for its historical and cultural significance.