Koh Ker, the Lost City of Khmer Empire

The Angkor civilisation flourished for around six centuries. During that period the capital changed places a couple of times. During the 10th century, it was moved for 20 years to Koh Ker, around 120km north-east of the main centre near Siem Reap.

The King who had his capital there was Jayavarman IV, who worshipped Siva and established a new capital probably near his home base, or at least his power base at Koh Ker. He was succeeded briefy at the site by his son Harshavarman II, who eventually took the capital back to Angkor Thom.

This short film, made in conjunction with the Cambodian government, focuses on the remains of this short-lived capital city, which has only recently been made safe from land mines and other war related obstacles, and is now being promoted as an out-of-the-way centre of the Angkorian civilisation.

The main centre of attraction is the state temple, built like a stepped pyramid, which rises 120ft into the air; but there are also lesser monuments, tanks and remains of the days in which it flourished.

Besides describing the historical city and its development, the film also looks at the looting which took place during the Khmer Rouge times, and the successful attempts at getting stolen artifacts returned to the Kingdom.