Episode 42 - Khmer Antiquities Looting and a Visit to Angkor

Segment 1 - Latchford's Looting of Cambodia' Cultural Heritage

A deep dive into the looting of Cambodia's cultural heritage by a 'respectable' collector, Douglas Latchford

Sometimes even the most respected people have a dark side...

And one of those people would be Douglas Latchford, a renowned collector and amateur scholar of Khmer antiquities. At the same time, he was actually responsible for stealing a huge portion of Cambodia's cultural heritage through decades of art trafficking. The sad part however is that he wasn't exactly a criminal mastermind...he committed his archaeology crime right under the noses of everyone - governments, auction houses, museums and other buyers - and many of his wares had obvious signs of looting. While a strange twist of fate allowed him to escape punishment, at least much of his ill-gotten gains did wind up in the right hands.

Segment 2 - Archaeological Tour of Angkor

Archaeological tour of Angkor, temple city in the jungles of Cambodia - history, archaeology & travel tips

Prepare to explore the majestic history and breathtaking archaeological wonders of Angkor, one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in the world. Jason takes us to the sprawling 400-square-kilometer site in Siem Reap, Cambodia—home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world, and countless other astonishing temples and ruins of the Khmer Empire.  

Dive deep into the history of the Khmer Empire, from its founding by Jayavarman II in the 9th century to its eventual decline in the 15th century. Along the way, uncover the stories of legendary rulers like Suryavarman II and Jayavarman VII, whose architectural and cultural legacies are still felt today.  

Learn how the combination of Hinduism and Buddhism shaped the temples’ unique designs, discover the purpose of Angkor’s intricate water management systems, and gain insight into its rediscovery by French explorers in the 19th century. Plus, Jason shares practical travel tips for visiting modern-day Angkor, from must-see temples to navigating the bustling streets of Siem Reap.  

Links & Resources  

• Angkor Wat UNESCO Listing: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668/
• World Monuments Fund: https://www.wmf.org/monuments/angkor-archaeological-park
• Tourism of Cambodia: https://www.tourismcambodia.com/attractions/angkor.htm

Related Episodes  

• Borobudur Site Visit: Astounding Buddhist Temple in Java: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vebzqXZo1E8 
• Khmer Antiquities Caper - Looting Cambodia's Cultural Heritage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk3aCqx0kRU

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#archaeology #archeology #archaeologicaldiscoveries #ancienthistory #traveltips