Jayavarman VII's Hospitals The Arogyasala Network

In this episode, we explore Jayavarman VII's remarkable public health initiative: the network of 102 arogyasala, or hospitals, built across the Khmer Empire in the late 12th century. These were not rudimentary shelters but sophisticated institutions staffed with physicians, complete with medical texts, medicines, and even dormitories for patients. Lucas and Luna discuss the stone stelae that record the hospitals' foundations, the blend of Ayurvedic and Tantric healing practices, and the logistics of running such a vast system. They also touch on how this network reflected Jayavarman VII's Mahayana Buddhist ideals and his role as a chakravartin. This episode offers a vivid look at an often-overlooked aspect of Angkorian society, revealing a king who, amid temple-building and military campaigns, invested in the well-being of his people. #Arogyasala #JayavarmanVII #KhmerEmpire #Angkor #AncientHospitals #Ayurveda #MahayanaBuddhism #Chakravartin #PreahKhan #TaProhm #Stelae #Sanskrit #Tantra #12thCentury #PublicHealth #History #FexingoHistory #Podcast #AngkorWat #JayavarmanII Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo