Although numerous Khmer temples built before the 13th Century can be found throughout Cambodia, no vestige of a Royal Palace had ever been found outside the walled city of Angkor Thom. None that is, until now. After 5 years of excavation at Roluos on the outskirts of Siem Reap, an archaeological team has discovered traces of large and lavish wooden buildings as well as fragments of Chinese and Middle Eastern ceramics. The team believe it has discovered the Royal palace of Jayavarman II.

‘The quality of construction of those buildings is truly exceptional .. far above the quality of ordinary houses found elsewhere’, says one of the archaeologists. The ceramic fragments found at the site show that the building was occupied by social elites with the means to own ceramics from either Iran or Iraq., and researchers believe these could only have been the king and his court at that time.

Located about 15km south-east of Abgkor, Roluos was the capital of Jayavarman II who is considered the first king of the Angkorian era.

To explore the Roluos temples email: info@asia-adventures.com

Edited from: The Cambodia Daily Weekend (6-7 Sept 08)