Publications
Bayesian modelling of the latent human influence field in archaeological urban sediments at Koh Ker, Cambodia
A novel Bayesian modeling framework reveals the latent human influence field (LHIF) in archaeological sediments, offering a continuous, multidimensional view of ancient urban dynamics at Koh Ker, Cambodia. This approach integrates heterogeneous proxy data—such as magnetic susceptibility and ceramic abundance—from rapidly excavated trenches to estimate the intensity and spatiotemporal distribution of past human activity. Unlike traditional methods that rely on either limited excavation or broad but chronologically shallow surveys, this model synthesizes diverse data channels into a unified causal framework, bridging gaps between lidar mapping, survey, and excavation. The pilot study demonstrates potential for broader application across archaeological contexts, enabling more coherent reconstructions of ancient urban landscapes.
Zenith Passage Alignments at Koh Ker
Koh Ker, a 10th-century Khmer city in Cambodia, features a unique architectural alignment to the zenith passage sunrise, unlike other Khmer temple complexes. The Prasat Thom complex is oriented 14 degrees north of east, with its western end, the Prang Pyramid, providing an unobstructed view to the horizon where the zenith passage sun rises. This alignment includes zenith passage tubes in roofs and linga statues acting as gnomons, designed to capture the exact moment of zenith passage at noon. A project documented this alignment from the top of the Prang Pyramid, providing evidence that Koh Ker's alignments are not anomalous by citing similar features in Java, Sri Lanka, and Angkor.
The Story Beneath the Canopy: an Airborne Lidar Survey Over Angkor, Phnom Kulen and Koh Ker, Northwestern Cambodia
An airborne lidar survey over Angkor, Phnom Kulen, and Koh Ker in northwestern Cambodia has revealed that Angkor is likely the largest pre-industrial low-density urban complex ever documented. This groundbreaking discovery was made possible by advanced laser scanning technology, which penetrated dense vegetation to uncover hidden archaeological structures obscured from conventional remote sensing methods. The survey, conducted as part of the Greater Angkor Project, not only sheds new light on the extent and layout of Angkor but also sets a precedent for studying similar low-density urban environments in tropical forests worldwide.
Using ground penetrating radar to understand the failure of the Koh Ker Reservoir, Northern Cambodia.
A flawed design in the Koh Ker Reservoir's spillway, revealed through ground penetrating radar and topographic mapping, likely contributed to its failure during the first rainy season after construction. This inadequacy exacerbated water flow issues, potentially accelerating the collapse of the reservoir's dike and thereby shortening Koh Ker's tenure as a political center of the Khmer Empire. The study employed advanced geophysical techniques to reconstruct the buried laterite pavement, providing new insights into ancient hydraulic engineering failures.
La statue du « roi-danseur » de Koh Ker (Cambodge, Xe s.). des histoires extraordinaires et des terribles méfaits qui décidèrent de sa restauration
A rare 10th-century statue of the 'dancing king' from Koh Ker, Cambodia, reveals extraordinary insights into the political and religious dynamics of the ancient Lingapura kingdom. The statue, discovered in a remote temple complex, depicts King Jayavarman V performing a ritual dance, offering unprecedented visual evidence of the fusion between Hindu-Brahmanical traditions and indigenous Cambodian practices. Through meticulous analysis of the statue's iconography, craftsmanship, and historical context, this study deciphers its significance as both a religious artifact and a symbol of royal authority. The research also sheds light on the tragic circumstances surrounding the statue's discovery—looted during illicit excavations—and the subsequent efforts to restore it, underscoring the ethical challenges in preserving such heritage amid political turmoil.
Using ground penetrating radar to understand the failure of the Koh Ker Reservoir, Northern Cambodia
New evidence from ground penetrating radar and excavation reveals that the Koh Ker Reservoir, built during the Angkorian period in Cambodia, suffered from a critical design flaw. The spillway's laterite pavement was even less effective at managing water flow than previously estimated, likely contributing to the reservoir's dike failure during its first rainy season after construction. This structural failure may have played a pivotal role in Koh Ker's brief tenure as the political center of the Khmer Empire, highlighting the vulnerability of ancient hydraulic engineering to environmental stresses.
Re-evaluating the occupation history of Koh Ker, Cambodia, during the Angkor period: A palaeo-ecological approach
Palaeoecological and geoarchaeological evidence reveals that Koh Ker, Cambodia, remained occupied by its domestic population for several centuries after the royal court relocated to Angkor in the 10th century. This challenges the long-held assumption that the city's abandonment by the elite marked the end of its occupation. The study employed multi-proxy environmental reconstructions—including sediment analysis and plant remains—to trace human activity and land use patterns, demonstrating their persistence well beyond the documented political shifts. These findings underscore the value of integrating palaeoecological data to refine our understanding of Khmer urban dynamics during the Angkor period.
Új irányok a khmer településtörténeti hálózatok kutatásában (Koh Ker, Kambodzsa)
New LIDAR surveys of Koh Ker, Cambodia, reveal the site as a complex network of habitation, significantly altering our understanding of its settlement history. Previous research focused on isolated temples and visible structures, but these findings highlight the importance of exploring communication channels like streets and hydraulic systems, as well as surrounding settlements and industries. This approach provides critical insights into human environmental intervention and the development of Koh Ker, a former royal center, offering a more comprehensive framework for interpreting its past occupation.
The Ancient Khmer's Dimensional Planning at the Prasat Pram in Koh Ker
A new analysis of the Prasat Pram temple at Koh Ker, Cambodia, reveals that its architectural planning follows a consistent dimensional system also used across other temples in the site. This study confirms a previously proposed construction measure and provides insights into the scale and layout features unique to Khmer temples in Koh Ker. By focusing on this small but representative structure, researchers have uncovered patterns that likely apply to the broader archaeological landscape of the ancient city.
The Ancient Khmer's Dimensional Planning at the Prasat Thom in Koh Ker
Research at the Prasat Thom temple in Koh Ker reveals intricate dimensional planning and expansion phases of the ancient Khmer structure. The study deciphers the original plan and subsequent modifications, excluding the pyramid-temple (Prang), by analyzing measured dimensions and comparing them with previous findings from Prasat Pram. This approach allows for the reconstruction of the temple's evolution, highlighting its complex design and multiple expansion stages. The findings contribute to understanding the sophisticated architectural strategies employed by ancient Khmer civilizations.
The Archaeological Landscape of Koh Ker, Northwest Cambodia
Recent archaeological research at Koh Ker, Cambodia, has uncovered a sophisticated hydraulic engineering system dating back to the 10th century, drawing parallels with the more extensive network at Angkor. Aerial and ground-based surveys revealed evidence of intensive agriculture during the Angkorian period, challenged previous interpretations of 'roadways' and 'city enclosures,' and identified domestic habitation and stone-working sites. The study also found indications of continuous occupation from early historic to post-Angkorian periods, along with signs of a collapsed water management system and significant environmental changes affecting river flows. This research sheds new light on the complexity and resilience of Koh Ker's archaeological landscape.
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