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Ref ID: 29485
Ref Type: Journal Article
Authors: Fletcher, Roland
Pottier, Christophe
Evans, Damian
Kummu, Matti
Title: The development of the water management system of Angkor: a provisional model
Date: 2008
Source: Bulletin of the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association
Notes: Proceedings of the 18th Congress of the Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association, Manila, Philippines, 20 to 26 March 2006
Abstract: The nature and even the existence of water management at Angkor has been the subject of considerable debate since the 1970s. Recent work at Angkor by the EFEO and the Greater Angkor Project has mapped a vast water management network extending across approximately 1000 sq km. From the new map an outline can be provided of the development of the network between the 8th-9th and the 14th centuries. Each large extension of the network tapped water from a succession of natural rivers flowing from NE to SW. Each river was further north and was tapped further to the west. The network had five major components - E-W embankments that trapped water flowing from the north and northeast
N-S channels that eventually delivered water to large reservoirs (baray)
the baray and the large temple moats
embankments and channels oriented from NW to SE that could distribute water back from west to east across the slope of the land
and channels oriented towards the southwest which could dispose of water rapidly to the lake, the Tonle Sap. Significantly the later major channels, such as the Angkor Wat canal and the canal that pre-dated the current Siem Reap river, were drains that served to dispose of water in the lake.
Date Created: 7/18/2008
Volume: 28
Page Start: 57
Page End: 66