The Armies of Angkor

The Khmers of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries are best remembered by the magnificent monuments that they left the world—the ruins of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and Banteay Chmar and other relics at Siem Reap now attract over a million visitors annually.

The Khmers, as well as visionary architects and builders, were by far the most formidable fighting force of Southeast Asia, and much of their fabled wealth was generated directly from the spoils of their conquests. In the present volume, drawing on depictions of warfare found on the stone reliefs of the monuments mentioned above, French scholar Jacq-Hergoualc’h reconstructs a vivid image of the Khmer armed forces, both land and naval, providing insight into its organization, technology, weaponry and strategies.

Such was the quality of the relief images that, along the way, we also observe some fascinating and diverse aspects of Khmer life, including details of clothing and textile patterns, hair styles and body ornaments.

The Khmer army was in reality an international force, and reliefs also illustrate Siamese, Vietnamese and Chinese mercenaries among the ranks, as well as providing significant details of the Cham forces, the Khmers’ arch enemies, with whom they are often shown engaged in battle.

The Armies of Angkor is essential reading not only for those with interest in the history of war and weaponry but for all who seek a better understanding of the brilliant culture of the creators of Angkor.