5. The Khmer Empire - Fall of the God Kings

WATCH WITH VIDEO: • 5. The Khmer Empire - ...
Deep in the Cambodian Jungle, a ruined city crumbles among the roots of banyan trees.
In this episode, we look at the Khmer Empire of medieval Cambodia, and the ancient mega-city of Angkor. I want to explore how this great civilization rose to a size and wealth virtually unprecedented in the world, how it overcame the challenges of its climate and landscape, and all the factors that led to its final, dramatic collapse.
Support Fall of Civilizations on Patreon: / fallofcivilizations_po...
Credits:
Sound engineering by Thomas Ntinas
Voice Actors:
Rhy Brignell
Lou Millington
Sebastian Garbacz
Music by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: incompetech.com/
Title theme: Home At Last by John Bartmann. johnbartmann.com/

[@fuzzlenuff]

Paul Cooper, you have probably created the best group of documentaries ever presented on KZbin. You are adding to my knowledge, and I thank you for it. It is so much easier to learn when the narration is not being overpowered by thundering music and sound effects.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! Yes, I like to create a peaceful atmosphere on the show.

[@spacelemur7955]

I have a tip for another great channel, albeit in evolutionary science. Aron Ra's _Systemic Classification of Life._ Simply magnificent.

[@judikingsman6132]

I am distracted by the music and sound effects.

[@jbbryson8047]

Amen. Genius work. Paul, keep ‘em coming.

[@jbbryson8047]

Ok. But the background music loses me. Is this intentional?

[@darkdefender6384]

The background sounds make me feel like me and a guide are walking through the past without anyone being able to see us. As we walk the streets and hear the sounds, see the sights, and smell the smells of a teeming city. All the while like a time traveler knowing what lay ahead for this beautiful civilization. Truly a remarkable podcast!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, this is a really beautiful description!

[@rjones83061]

yup, agree with you.... the has Talent !!! just like being 'there'

[@ULTIMATEMONGSTATION]

Listening to them of 300 mics of lsd turns your kitchen tiles into struggling empires

[@xavierneang3006]

Love this podcast! Thank you for doing us khmer people justice. The Khmer and cambodia have endured a lot but we’re still here and our culture is strong! 💪🇰🇭 sad how the west and others took awhile to admit that these local rice farmers built one of the most beautiful cities in world

[@mutt3162]

And now this Westerner wants to experience the culture and people of Cambodia even more. This country is now very high on my bucket list!

[@tinawelch3005]

The audio and speaking negates the need for visual. I am humbled to listen and learn from such a masterful source. Thank you for such a treasure in this series.

[@trimblejay2222]

Shown up on my feed earlier in the week. This podcast has accompanied me on my long drives this week and im sad to say i have just 2 left 😭. What you have created is simple and and elegant. Its just beautiful knowledge that you dont even realise you are soley listening to, I swear im there in some of the scenes you depict. Thank you for putting this together and i hope this is something you can continue.......if in the future you run out of civilisations please just make them up i will continue to listen haha

[@JazzyllamaSI]

Perhaps, you can start with the most powerful families in the world who change or contributed to society. Like "The Borgia's."

[@AbdulAhad-by3hb]

This is the best history Channel on KZbin.the amount of work put into these documentary are super😁

[@parallel9201]

Angkor Wat's temples are majestic! This was my favourite episode. Southeast Asia isn't usually covered but you did it perfectly!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the support and encouragement.

[@navajojoe8453]

Thank you Paul for sharing your time with us I been to Cambodia in 2000 angkor never been lost its very awaken place Blessing to you from shiprock navajo nation rez

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks my friend, really appreciate it!

[@lynnoble8229]

Thank you so much for your podcasts, they are the most informative and easy to listen to, I am thoroughly enjoying them. I feel like I’m just now learning about our world and I’m 72 yrs old!

[@amishshark3549]

These podcasts do an excellent job of immersing you into the civilization no tv show or movie has done for me

[@maligjokica]

i discoverd this podcast just two days ago and this is my first one that i heard complitly. I am specless how well its made!! next to go with the others. a new subscriber for sure:)))

[@darkdefender6384]

maligjokica they are gripping

[@Comrade_Collects]

One of the best channels I’ve found through the internet! Watch these to go to sleep repeatedly and hope the channel continues to grow well

[@BmoreIrish]

Same here. I’ve listened to all of the episodes multiple times to fall asleep.

[@euroschmau]

My god this is one of the most beautiful podcasts I've across in a long while, good work! The closing of this episode really helped put perspective of our own global civilization, which I feel is dangerously close to entering planetary hospice.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, that's very kind of you to say!

[@sturm3d]

This one was excellent to listen to.. Thanks I didn't know much about the Khmer, the Viet and the ancient Thai.. Some suggestions for future episodes: Constantinople, Cuzco, Aksum, Mali, Zimbabwe, Anasazi, the Amazonian Terra Preta Culture and, of course, the Easter Islands

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Christian, really glad you enjoyed! And thanks for the suggestions. I'll definitely put some of these on the list.

[@pectenmaximus231]

Many of these have come to fruition! I really second the Anasazi.

[@brictator]

your peesentations are awesome thank you.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.

[@diabolikmitchell2960]

This series is among the very best of KZbin. Just phenomenal.

[@gregory-of-tours]

This series is really nicely done. Love the music and sounds effects to set the scene.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks, I take appreciate it!

[@darkdefender6384]

So true!

[@fireflyember2488]

7

[@fireflyember2488]

7

[@fireflyember2488]

6I66

[@imRehnzy]

This is incredible. I wish you so much success with this series. Somehow, just visualizing your stories gives me pictures i enjoy more than tv documentaries. Absolutely superb man!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! That's really kind of you to say.

[@dbarker7794]

The description of the banyan was my favorite part. 👍

[@oldguysdoingstuff6216]

Excellent as always. Already looking forward.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed!

[@cactusvac]

Thanks for uploading! Looking forward to another great podcast.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks, hope you enjoy! 😁

[@matsericsson5801]

I rarely comment but i feel like i have to now. These are just so well made and fascinating. Best history channel on youtube!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Mats, I'm really glad you think so!

[@Ceci_et_Cela]

Mr. Cooper, thank you for such a great series. I listen to a new one every night before bed. When I’ve gone through them all, I start over. 😊

[@FallofCivilizations]

Really glad you like it!

[@MultiTimelady]

I Found your channel yesterday. I started listening with the first episode Roman Britain, And listened to Bronze age collapse, Mayan Collapse and Greenland Vikings. These are very interesting and wonderful to listen to.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! I'm really glad you think so.

[@w.m.p-w8989]

Great episode, first time listening to you. I am interested in Khmer king/Angkor history. Thank you

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks, really glad you enjoyed the episode!

[@kosalmey5028]

Great document, i wish you to add more people on the reference. There will be a news from Jayavarman 7 in the future to the world.

[@arnonuehm1]

Woohoo finally a new episode! Guess I'll use this to wind down after a night at the bars :)

[@FallofCivilizations]

Haha hope you enjoy!

[@hiccups55]

i'm paiting our house while listening to this. i enjoyed this alot. great story telling. tnx.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks for listening! Good luck with the painting.

[@kolapyellow7631]

This popped up on my screen just now. U did this piece 4 years ago. Thanks. I planned to move there when retired.

[@jeffdurden398]

I've enjoyed the whole series. Great work. This episode wold have really benefited with some photos of Ankor and maps of the kingdoms you are describing. Maybe update and revisit?

[@flowersstorms8863]

Can't wait to listen to the latest episode! The FOC podcast is consistently excellent.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks so much! Really glad you're enjoying 😁

[@idlestation]

Thanks for the hard work. This was an amazing listen.

[@angeliquem.j.simard8437]

Your podcasts are outstanding, thank you so much for your contribution.

[@Revolution-tl5wo]

Gaaah! So happy to discover this channel. Thank you!

[@jaydogg505]

Very professional broadcast, thank you!

[@eldenoaasil7757]

Thanks so much for theses beautiful episodes ! This one and the mayas one are really gonna help me for my exams ! 🙏🏻

[@FallofCivilizations]

My pleasure. Really glad you've enjoyed, and good luck in the exams!

[@StPalliGrl]

I absolutely love the opening piano....it calms me and gets me to focus on listening ....very retrospective, sad even. But I love it.

[@Melneepies]

A truly fascinating history of a dynasty & empire that previously I'd only known the bare bones about, too much history even on this platform references the West, I also want to commend the outstanding narration & wonderful voice acting it made the subject even more accessible & compelling. I'm only sad that it appears that I found the channel in the middle of it converting the podcasts into videos since seeing these fantastic places would have been awesome nonetheless it's still been a rewarding experience, thank you.

[@smallstudiodesign]

Thank you for these audible journeys to archeological excavations and ancient times.

[@larrybuzbee7344]

Lovely work; pleasing backgound sounds, evocative verbal imagery, illuminating content and substantial ties to the present. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! Very kind of you.

[@rosewithers571]

.

[@Djasphur]

The sounddesign in all of these episodes are awesome. I have listened to about half and it has been a pleasure ! :D

[@FallofCivilizations]

Really glad you think so! I take a lot of care over this aspect of the show.

[@charleseternal1751]

This is wonderful. Please keep this up.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, I will!

[@parth88226]

I really loved listening through all your podcasts. Can you make one on Indus valley civilization, how it met its downfall.

[@darkdefender6384]

This was a beautiful podcast. Beyond excellent!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you!

[@Jim-jimminy]

Just discovered these episodes! Brilliant with a very calming tone to it

[@hankgreenway9436]

Great lucid and comprehensive narrative. The kind of lecture I would be proud to have given myself.h.greenway

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Hank, very kind of you.

[@kevinparnell4852]

I believe these presentations the be required for all high school students. Informative and enjoyable.

[@chrisillsley5861]

great when you find a hidden gem that you know won't stay hidden for much longer :). love your work!

[@jimmyjoe8990]

Unbelievable good content. highly interesting. thank you very much

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, very kind of you!

[@JazzyllamaSI]

Your voice is soothing, the pausing in your speech it's perfect like no others I've listened. Also reminds me we used to pay satalite w 300 Chanel's in order to watch History channel. Crazy!

[@soja8505]

i'm so glad i found this channel 👍

[@weiswolf]

Wow wow wow, absolutely top notch!

[@HeartCocoCloud]

Yo Pauly thanks for your time. Peace from Orlando FLA

[@andreavanda5402]

So much information delivered in such a beautiful way. Your voice is soothing and easy to listen too. Thank you for your work. ❤

[@prosequence2536]

i have been fortunate enough by chances taken and through passing up some economic possibilities for financial advancement to do in this life a great deal of traveling and I find it so frustrating and limiting likening say Ankor Wat which Ive seen, and Teotihuacan, which ive also seen together since each is an effigy to humanities triumph despite entropy and our own self destructive nature but what else is there? since words fail utterly to capture and encapsulate that inner phenomenon when one encounters for the first time something so uniquely all at once a place, a people, and a time so amazing that its own builders knew even as they worked that it was a monument and a testament so unlike anything else we long centuries later can but compare it to a feeling reminiscent to the last great structure to have both humbled us and filled us with pride... Fall of Civilizations Podcast, can you do an episode about the Nazca of Peru perhaps Tiahuanaco?

[@JazzyllamaSI]

Yes, thnx, also AYMARAS from Bolivia.

[@patsagreen]

Well presented. It is impossible to built such a magnificent Hindu temple unless the sculptors or planners have deep understanding of Hindu mythology and literature. Its wonder how this knowledge was transferred to far east in its original forms. Worth to mention, even today we can notice many last names as "Varma" in east coast of India, mostly of Royal descendant families. Jayaverma is a Sanskrit name literally means "King of Victory".

[@neoneyes3913]

What a fantastic series! Thank you and great job!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks so much! Really glad you enjoyed

[@neoneyes3913]

Fall of Civilizations Podcast can’t wait for the next one!

[@FallofCivilizations]

@@neoneyes3913 Should be out by the end of the month! I'm still waiting on a special guest contribution, but I hope it will be worth the wait.

[@josellopis3040]

I love your podcast. Really

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks José, really appreciate the kind words!

[@josellopis3040]

Greetings from Honduras. I use the automatic subtitles and your voice is really clear and helpul for non speaking english audiences. Im looking forward this podcast

[@FallofCivilizations]

@@josellopis3040 I'm glad to hear that! I've taught English as a second language so I always try to bear international listeners in mind.

[@mjonhouston]

Jose LLopis - Really?,...promise your not just saying that?,...what is it you love the most?, and do you love any OTHER podcast even MORE than this one?, have you been listening or watching another podcast behind Fall Of Civilization's back?, ...don't be draggin' F.O.C.'s heart around now., History can be a jealous lover you know., giving your love to every podcast that shows up with a well-crafted opening pick-up line will only lead to disappointment for all involved., all the eligible podcasts KNOW that "I love your podcast" is frequently just an unoriginal , insincere, attempt to add to some slickster's harem of podcasts.,...just tread lightly Jose., we're watching you. :-)

[@alanthecat59]

excellent thank you so much great job

[@andyhamilton7264]

A spellbinding series, which I'm not yet half way though. Like the best classic novels it will repay revisiting again and again. One chilling thought intrudes. There hasn't been any civilisation in history which in the end didn't collapse. Except our present one. Not yet

[@Jesseminecrafter]

Excellent video and clearly beautifully researched, however the sheer volume of ads placed sporadically in this video make it so hard to follow. Love the content

[@CambodianguideTV]

Thank you for more information

[@Prokres_Overland]

Its like John Pilgner's son is narratting this..the voice and the style its amazing.

[@escapevelocity6185]

love this so much

[@mrrebel5150]

awesome, very well done. subscribed. perfect for bedtime..

[@maotengmomsourne5904]

Thank you.

[@patrickschaefer4682]

Would love to hear an episode on ancient Egypt or ancient Israel

[@Dungeonjay]

I do a lot of public speaking. I have to say your vigor in pronouncing is a true talent. I know I would struggle immensely and you continually nail it.

[@supremekhmer6596]

When King Yasovarman I ruled the Khmer Empire in the 9th century A.D. it was the largest Empire in the Far East but too bad he died from Leprosy.

[@beccahopkins1]

Do you have a record of all the sources/research you do for the podcasts?

[@FallofCivilizations]

For more recent episodes, they are all available for free in patreon.

[@dipoodubanjo]

Thanks!

[@swright2134]

where have you been this whole time ?? i subbed and hit the bell

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, very kind!

[@chhmar99utube]

at 12:52 if J' II had beaten a retreat to the Kulen range, it's dubious he'd be coming to a desolate rocky mountain, but most likely to the pre Angkorian metropolitan city of Mahendraparvata at the foot of the same range. it's probable that Mahendraparvata was the stepping stone on which Angkor was built

[@WildkatLefunk]

Your closing statements with the music got me a little 😢

[@DidivsIvlianvs]

How did future King Jayavarman get other people to join him? He said, "Khmer! Khmer!"

[@JazzyllamaSI]

😄🤣

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

😂😂😂 Well, here I am.. what?? My error.. Angkor Wat you want?

[@DidivsIvlianvs]

@@St.Linguini_of_Pesto What?! What?! Angkor! That's Wat!

[@grootchan887]

40:18 the women chattering in the background is not speaking in cambodian, She is speaking in thai. Anyway Thank you guys for doing this podcast, as a cambodian I really enjoy this podcast.

[@gaymeronabudget]

Mr Cooper, I have a question. Was it Suryavarman II or I who """built""" Angkor Wat? Because other sources say that Jayavarman VII came before Suryavarman II, but here you talk about Angkor Wat and Suryavarman II before Angkor Thom. I got a little confused. Could you clarify that?

[@edgar_desouza]

Would be better if there were maps and the year in the upper corner of the video along with audio.

[@FallofCivilizations]

I am gradually adding video to all these episodes, but it is a very time consuming process.

[@cjtorres5917]

Wasn't leprosy recently ruled out rather than confirmed in the case of Robert the Bruce?

[@JustArtsCreations]

great show, why do you have sounds of people working in the background?

[@FallofCivilizations]

To add some atmosphere and make people feel transported ideally!

[@JustArtsCreations]

@@FallofCivilizations wow quick reply! fair enough, thank you!

[@FallofCivilizations]

@@JustArtsCreations My pleasure, thanks for commenting!

[@JustArtsCreations]

@@FallofCivilizations no problem! love the podcast!

[@supremekhmer6596]

@@FallofCivilizations There is new research done right after King Suryavarman II died his younger brother King Tribhuvanadityavarman took the throne and reign the Khmer Empire for over 30 years. He was the first Great Buddhist King even before King Jayavarman the 7th. During his reign, the Khmer Empire was perhaps the largest in the world.

[@shashwatpandey4897]

I play Age of Empires and always wondered who were the Khmer people

[@chriscopeman8820]

I've enjoyed these podcasts and want to make a one time contribution, but the only possibilities I can figure out on Patron are monthly donations. Should it be hard to make a one time contribution? I'm only listening to a podcast once.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Hi Chris, thanks for the thought! So glad you've been enjoying. You can donate here also: www.paypal.me/paulmmcooper

[@Arturojazz4]

I'm not getting any video on this one. ???

[@DidivsIvlianvs]

Some pictures, even repetitive ones, would have been nice.

[@FallofCivilizations]

I'm adding a visual accompaniment to every episode gradually, but it is a very time consuming process.

[@jeffjr84]

Studying the growth of Metroplex cities like Jacksonville Florida may provide some insight into what happened here, for example 25 years ago the city started growing till it annexed smaller cities in its growing radius over time.. i'm thinking something along the lines of this happened.. the city grew, and the outlying villages were annexed into the city as it grew but over centuries.. just a thought. I mean it seems kind of obvious when i explain it like this but i didn't think about it until i was listening to this today.. Ill even go as far as to say some of the 'noble cast' were made up from former village elders families..

[@blakehorton8110]

Sounds solid enough 🤔

[@jeffjr84]

@@blakehorton8110 thx man. It's an interesting hypothesis. No city just blows up to the size of this one without eating smaller villages.

[@doogboy]

WOW!

[@supremekhmer6596]

Imperial Khmer!!! Ballista Elephant!

[@kunwarsinghthakur5115]

No indus valley civilization video?

[@miraadi97]

Add sources photos in background or photos mentioned in the sources.

[@mr.gunzaku437]

It sounds like Cambodia had a very tumultuous history all throughout. It doesn't sound like very much peace was to be had except it very short intervals.

[@kamalnandha791]

@8:18 The khmer people migrated from modern day India as well as Southern China. Also they didn't invent the number zero, that was invented by Brahmagupta. Love the podcast though!

[@cjtorres5917]

He mentioned India, and didn't claim the invention of zero, merely its use.

[@steveneinselen9784]

What happened to the visuals?

[@FallofCivilizations]

I am slowly adding video to every episode - it is a long process.

[@steveneinselen9784]

Thank you

[@Foogi9000]

Angkor wat seems like something out of BOTW with nature reclaiming it and all.

[@xnthh]

This is more the story of the city rather than the story of the khmer empire

[@lotfibouhedjeur]

Your intro is sick. Your podcast is sick. Your voice is sick.

[@mahaphoublue7644]

The leagend said that anyone who dare to search a hidden treasure under Angkor, the two French comes and found that the two big pearl bigger than people is hidden, when they dig down the treasure are on top the mountain and it’s always change to the same place until they died, the treasure only the one people that who have power and Khmer blood can touch but that one must loyalty and a real warrior but many real warrior won’t have it too because it belongs to nagar the dragon of Cambodia that have been killed by champa and China. The place aren’t hunted, it’s protected by many soul and emperor tomb in the the middle of Angkor.

[@gtgodbear6320]

Angkor Wat

[@PhanThon83]

👍

[@BrannonParker]

58:16 I beg to differ. In fact his so-called pacifism led to thousands upon thousands of people's blood being spilled. And it was only when he gave up his selfish misinterpretation of Dharma that he actually benefited his people

[@meneither3834]

Incompetent kings, unlucky weather, invading neighbors.