Ancient urban networks around Angkor Wat discovered

LONDON – An Australian archeologist says he and colleagues have found evidence of previously undiscovered medieval urban and agricultural networks surrounding the ancient city of Angkor Wat.

Using high-tech lasers to scan the Cambodian jungle, Damian Evans and colleagues say they found traces of extensive networks surrounding the monumental stone temple complex at Angkor Wat. Evans said their findings could further our understanding of Khmer culture and throw into question traditional assumptions about the 15th-century decline of the empire. The research was published Monday in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

Evans said the laser technology was used to create precise maps of ancient networks that left only vague traces — invisible to the naked eye — in the landscape surrounding the temples.