Empire 185. The God Kings of Angkor Wat
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Sep 11, 2024 The rise of the Khmer Empire is a tale of power and divine rulers, with Jayavarman II uniting clans to create a civilization richer than Byzantium. Angkor Wat’s architectural marvels reflect this grandeur, blending divine king symbolism with intricate design. As the podcast dives into the significance of the god-kings, their godlike status intertwined with Brahmin influence is revealed. The discussion also highlights Cambodia’s cultural evolution, emphasizing the deep ties to Hinduism while contrasting this majestic past with the dark shadows of more modern history.
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Birthplace of the Khmer Empire
- William Dalrymple describes the Phnom Kulen mountains as a sacred space for Cambodians.
- It's the birthplace of the Khmer empire and its holy rivers.
Khmer Rouge vs. Khmer Empire
- The Khmer Rouge's association with the term "Khmer" obscures the ancient Khmer empire's true nature.
- The empire was a hierarchical, divinely-ruled kingdom.
The Khmer Empire's Wealth and Power
- The Khmer empire was the richest and most powerful state of its time, boasting the largest cities and temples.
- Angkor Wat alone is four times the size of Vatican City.
