Trajectories of Urbanism in the Angkorian World

Recent archaeological research combining aerial and ground investigations has revealed a strong correlation between religious monuments and human settlement patterns in the Angkorian world, challenging traditional definitions of 'urban' spaces. Larger monuments are typically associated with dense, well-structured occupation areas, surrounded by more diffuse settlements extending over vast regions. This blurs the distinction between rural and urban spaces, as few settlements are neatly enclosed by walls or moats, making boundaries difficult to define. The study sheds new light on the lived-in spaces of ancient Angkor, offering insights into its complex urbanism.

Evans, D., Fletcher, R., Klassen, S., Pottier, C., & Wijker, P. (2023). Trajectories of Urbanism in the Angkorian World. The Angkorian World, 173–194. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351128940-13