Which ancient Khmer capital, famous for its impressive temples, was “rediscovered” by the Western world in the 19th century?
Angkor
Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia, was the center of one of Southeast Asia's most sophisticated civilizations but was gradually abandoned and swallowed by the jungle. Its "rediscovery" by Western explorers in the 19th century astounded the world with its extent and architectural complexity. The most iconic temple, Angkor Wat, is considered the largest religious monument in the world, with its lotus-shaped towers and extensive bas-reliefs. Angkor is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts researchers and tourists from around the world, eager to explore its mysterious ruins that testify to human ingenuity in the face of environmental and temporal challenges.
