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Book Review of The Khmer Empire: A Captivating Guide to the Merged Kingdoms of Cambodia That Became the Angkor Empire That Ruled over Most of Mainland Southeast Asia and Parts of Southern China

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Between the 9th and 15th-centuries, the Khmer Empire was powerful. The elites tended to be Hindu, while the common people tended to follow Buddha. Cambodian lands were midpoints between the trading countries of China and India, and they reaped benefits from trading. Little is known about the Khmer Empire; some of the kings are completely forgotten and some just left scores of temples, statues, inscriptions in stones, and public works.

Angkor, when discovered in the 19th-century, it wasn't recognized for what it was, Yasovarman's temple mountain. Every level, tower, stairway, and statue refers to a sacred symbol in Hinduism. Phnom Bakheng built two hundred years before Angkor Wat was the astronomical calendar, built of brick and stone.

Angkor Wat covers some 402 acres. Portuguese and Spanish explorers described Angkor in their visits. But it wasn't until the French rediscovered the magnificent site that money was spent to excavate and study the amazing temple. Fortunately, UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site in 1992 and it continues to draw scholars and visitors from around the world. Such a marvelous place couldn't have been created without a powerful kingdom, to provide the manpower and money for the magnificent edifices.

Jason Zenobia is a wonderful narrator; he has a clear and engaging speaking voice. He has a great command over the unique Cambodian city names and family names.