Angkor from Lost Cities of The World

This enormous ancient city, which covers more than 400 m2, including the forest,is one of the most significant localities of South East Asia. It is located in Cambodia, near the town of Siem Reap, and it was once the capital of the Khmer Empire-which ruled from the 9th to the 15th century AD. An invasion of the Thai army in 1431 forced its inhabitants to migrate. Being abandoned, it was left to the mercy of jungle. In 1800s a couple of French archeologists started studying it. They discovered that it had been the largest pre-industrial city worldwide. Is ruins are protected by UNESCO. One of its most important sites is Angkor Wat-a gigantic temple-complex, the biggest religious building in the world , and also , an excellent example of classical Khmer style of architecture.