The 9th-15th century Angkorian period is one of Cambodia’s most celebrated historical phases, but little is known about the 300-year period following the 15th century “collapse” of Angkor and the start of Southeast Asia’s Early Modern era.  Not only did the seat of political power move south, but Cambodians’ collective embrace of Theravada Buddhism effected organizational shifts that included Angkor Wat’s transformation into a Buddhist pilgrimage center. Heng’s archaeological research examines 14th-18th century settlement organization in the Siem Reap region, which had long served as the capital of the Angkorian empire.  Post-Angkorian settlement and economy, as reflected through archaeological patterns, challenges the standard narrative of “collapse” and suggests community responses to religious change. This presentation outlines preliminary findings of field research around Siem Reap on this period through the Greater Angkor Project.

Dr. Heng Piphal (Graduate Faculty Scholar, Northern Illinois University Anthropology & Center for SE Asian Studies; Affiliate Faculty, UHM Anthropology) is a Cambodian archaeologist who has worked in the field for nearly 20 years. His research interests center on political economy through time, from the protohistoric and pre-Angkorian periods to the post-Angkorian period.  Currently a post-doctoral fellow with the Robert S. Ho Buddhist Family Foundation, Piphal's field-based research concentrates on Cambodia's post-Angkorian period. 

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