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Last Updated: Tuesday, 14 August 2007, 11:53 GMT 12:53 UK
In pictures: Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat

The temple complex of Angkor Wat in north-west Cambodia was built in the early 12th Century for King Suryavarman II.

Digital reconstruction of Angkor (Copyright: Tom Chandler, Monash University)

Reconstructions suggest the one-time capital of the Khmer empire covered an area of 3,000 sq km (1,150 sq miles).

Digital reconstruction of Angkor (Copyright: Tom Chandler, Monash University))

A new study suggests that the temple and surrounding settlements could have supported half a million people.

Digital reconstruction of Angkor (Copyright: Tom Chandler, Monash University)

The entire area is criss-crossed by irrigation channels, now thought to have supported intensive rice agriculture.

Digital reconstruction of Angkor (Copyright: Tom Chandler, Monash University)

The rapid growth of the city may have caused environmental problems that led to the collapse of the civilisation.

Angkor Wat

The ruins are now a World Heritage Site and are visited by thousands of tourists every year.






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