The lost civilization of Angkor left no written records, and only its ancient stones can tell the tale. The Story of Angkor exposes the history of this once mighty Southeast Asian empire through the secrets hidden inside the temples and buildings located around the city of Siem Reap. It guides the reader into Angkor’s most spectacular monuments and the kings who commissioned them. The Classical Angkor period, from its founding in 802 AD by Jayavarman II, to its mysterious demise, produced hundreds of temples, reservoirs, and other monuments. But why were they built? What did they represent? The Story of Angkor answers these questions. Through an exploration of ancient culture, religion, trade, warfare, ecology, and politics, it gives meaning to the mysterious faces of the Bayon and decodes the beautiful but violent bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat. It also presents Cambodia’s early history and Angkor Wat’s “discovery” by nineteenth-century explorers. Written in a concise, accessible style, with photos and maps, The Story of Angkor presents an in-depth analysis of the ancient Angkor civilization that will appeal to both readers and travelers.