The Phnom Kulen Program
Twelve centuries ago, much of what is today known as Southeast Asia was ruled from Cambodia, where the Khmer people's vast Angkorian Empire flourished. From its historic capital, seated beneath a tropical forest on the plateau of the Phnom Kulen,(the "lechees mountain'), one of Earth's most amazing civilizations was born.
Most of the excavations programs have so far focused on the renowned World Heritage Site of Angkor. However, on the nearby ancient mountain of Phnom Kulen, numerous archaeological discoveries are still being made. To complete the archaeological map and to illuminate the history of this exceptional historical and natural site, further excavations must be undertaken.
Our program's archeological interventions engage Phnom Kulen's villages and work in synergy with them to promote sustainable development. Working jointly with the local Cambodian authorities, our unique program employs local communities, invests in their health and development, and ensures that archeological finds are shared with the Cambodian people.
Background
After centralizing its power, the Khmer empire created an enormous political and religious centre, from which it dominated most of Southeast Asia for more than six hundred years from the ninth to the fifteenth century.
Starting from the end of the eighth century, Phnom Kulen, with its 30 brick temples, was the first royal capital of the Angkor region. These sites thus have great historical and sacred value, for both Cambodians and the international community.
Located about 40 km northeast of Angkor, Phnom Kulen holds myriad significant archaeological remains, which have been understudied. Remains like inscriptions, dikes, and sculpted caves and river bottoms indicate that the mountain remained occupied throughout the Angkorian period (802-1432 AD), even after the capital was moved. Such theories need to be confirmed, expanded upon and documented.
Phnom Kulen is also a pivotal natural feature in the Angkorian landscape and is preserved as a national park. The plateau, of about 15 km. x 25 km., is home to a budding ecosystem and the source of the largest river in the Siem Reap region. Today the river continues to irrigate the rice fields that feed the Angkor area as it has for centuries.
Sponsors
The Phnom Kulen Program is a unique archaeological and development project supported by the Archaeology & Development Foundation. This London-based charity is devoted to serving cultural, socio-economic and environmental development, in collaboration and unity with local authorities and communities. By mid 2010 the foundation will be registered with the Royal Government of Cambodia.
The foundations main sponsor is the Mohamad S. Farsi Foundation (registered charity No. 1128012).
Other private donors based in Siem Riep, Cambodia include: