However, the region is also difficult to access, hindering research projects. One of the reasons for this is the fact that Khmer cities were mostly built with perishable materials which have not survived over the centuries. "Radiocarbon dating results confirm this occupation, corresponding to the reign of Jayavarman II."Īrchaeologists had long suspected that an ancient Khmer capital lay hidden in the Phnom Kulen mountains but until now, archaeological evidence has been limited to a scatter of small and apparently isolated shrines, the researchers say. "The Phnom Kulen capital ruled at the end of the 8th century and first half of the 9th century," Jean-Baptiste Chevance, an archaeologist from the Archaeology & Development Foundation-Phnom Kulen Program, told Newsweek. The available evidence suggests that Mahendraparvata was founded before Angkor, and that power was transferred to the latter city around 900 A.D. The temple is located within the ancient city of Angkor, which served as the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th century all the way through until its fall in the 15th century. Rare Ancient Tomb of Rich Minoan Woman Discovered at Complex in Crete.NASA Spots 'Spanish Stonehenge' From Space After Drought Reveals Monument.
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