In this three-part series, airing on SBS on Sunday 14 April, British archaeologist Pauline Carroll journeys to Cambodia to explore renowned temple sites and uncover lost cities hidden within the dense jungle. Carroll, an expert in her field, is known for her work on the discovery of Richard III’s skeleton in Leicester and her appearances on BBC’s Proud to Be… Archaeologist.
The first episode introduces viewers to Angkor, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire and home to the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat. Carroll delves into the history of this impressive site, constructed around 1150, and explores its significance within the broader context of the Khmer civilisation.
In episode two, Carroll shifts her focus to the Khmer Empire’s greatest king and his remarkable contributions. Audiences will learn about the world’s first free national health service and join Carroll as she visits Banteay Chhmar, a city unknown to archaeologists until recently.
The final episode sees Carroll investigating the decline of the Khmer Empire. She returns to Angkor and explores Banteay Toap, where new archaeological discoveries offer insights into the past. Carroll also speculates on the potential reasons for the fall of this once-powerful civilisation.
Lost Temples of Cambodia offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Khmer world, with Carroll and her team employing the latest archaeological techniques, including Lidar technology, to piece together the mysteries of this lost civilisation.
Lost Temples of Cambodia airs on SBS at 7:30 pm on Sunday, 14 April 2024.
