Angkor's Iron King: Jayavarman IV and the Koh Ker Interlude

In the mid-10th century, the Khmer Empire faced a crisis of succession that led to one of its most enigmatic rulers: Jayavarman IV. After a disputed claim to the throne, he abandoned the traditional capital of Yasodharapura (Angkor) and built a new city at Koh Ker, deep in the northern forests. This episode explores the political upheaval, the massive temple-mountain of Prasat Thom, the ambitious irrigation projects that sustained a capital in a water-scarce region, and the mysterious disappearance of Koh Ker after Jayavarman IV's death. We also examine the reign of his son Harshavarman II and the empire's return to Angkor under Rajendravarman II, who restored the old order. Dive into the story of a king who defied the devaraja cult and left behind a haunting, colossal legacy that still puzzles archaeologists today. #KhmerEmpire #JayavarmanIV #KohKer #PrasatThom #Angkor #Cambodia #SoutheastAsianHistory #Devaraja #HarshavarmanII #RajendravarmanII #Archaeology #HydraulicEngineering #MedievalHistory #LostCity #EmpireBuilding #History #FexingoHistory #10thCentury Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo