Cambodia is among the favourite tourist destinations in the world because of its ancient historical sites. Many tourists leave the country following a fascinated study of its history and ancient ruins. And now, the country generates more interesting news for anyone interested in history.
Cambodia has a number of unexplored cities.
Located in close proximity to Angkor Wat, the discovery of these cities will probably change the established opinions about the medieval history of the region. According to Dr. Damian Evans, an Australian archaeologist, the tropical forest floor covers a range of cities aged between 900 and 1400 years. Some of these cities are quite larger than Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital.
The huge cities beneath the forest have been discovered with the assistance of cutting-edge laser technology. Dr. Evans used the scanner in order to fire a laser into the ground from a helicopter. That helped him gauge how long it takes for each pulse to bounce back. This process offers a comprehensive picture of the 3D model of the Earth. With this technology, Dr Evans was able to assess the thick forest canopies. Dr Evans was surprised to come across evidence of roads, caves, manmade borders as well as buildings that had existed in the past.
The Khmer empire is said to have ceased to exist towards the 15th century with the collapse of political administrations, foreign intrusions and unexpected plagues. This historical opinion will attract fresh debatable queries with the newfound evidence of the cities underneath.
The ruins of Angkor temple, a UNESCO Heritage site, are a signature attraction in Cambodia. The archaeologists are still digging into historical traces as to how the temple ceased to exist. Even today, the ruins are a signature attraction among tourists. If you want to take a glimpse at the ruins, the most convenient option is to stay at a luxury hotel. Siem Reap is home to many luxury hotels such as Anantara Angkor Resort where you can stay and plan your schedule at ease. The ruins are now believed to have been the most advanced urban settlement well before the industrial times.
That said, the scientists believe that these cities had been home to the biggest empire during the 12th century spread across at least 734 sq miles. Scientists have come across interestingly intricate water systems in their research. The water systems seem to be far more advanced than one can imagine of the medieval period. These findings pose a question to the existing opinions on the Khmer empire and its instrumental role in water management and climate change.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.