Angkor
Short History Of...
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The History of Angkor Restoration
The French colonial impact lasts through the Second World War until Cambodia gains independence in 1953. The first leader of an independent Cambodia, Noradom Sienuk, is inspired by his ancient forefather, Saria Vama VII, who constructed the citadel of Angkor Tom. During the 1950s and 60s, Sienuk instructs a massive building programme of hospitals, schools and roads. Soon it is dominated by the Khmer Rouge, a totalitarian communist regime that leads to famine and genocide. One estimated two million people die, a quarter of the entire population. Remarkably for a nation torn apart by conflict, the ancient site of AngkOr escapes serious damage.
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