Claude Jacques explores the achievements and developments of the Khmer people from the 5th to the 13th century. Beginning with the early pre-Angkorean site of Funan and ending with the reign of the great Khmer king, Jayavarman VII, the author journeys beyond the well-known sites around Angkor Wat, to reveal the marvels of many temples hitherto inaccessible to visitors. Thus the reader is taken on a virtual tour of exquisite Khmer architecture - from Preah Vihear perched on a steep cliff overlooking the Cambodian plain, to the mysterious and extensive site of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay and the elaborately carved temple-in-the-forest of Beng Mealea, to mention but a few. Based on a lifetime of study and research, the author speculates as to the origins and reasons behind each site and how the Khmer empire functioned over many hundreds of years.<BR>The book includes site plans, old photographs, aerial shots of the ancient cities and detailed photographs showing the reliefs and other magnificent carvings.