Ep 34. Lost Spirits of Cambodia

In season 3 episode 34 of Ancient Mysteries, viewers are taken on a journey to the heart of Cambodia in search of the Lost Spirits of Cambodia. This episode delves into the ancient Khmer civilization and their beliefs in the afterlife and the importance of ancestor worship.

The episode begins with an exploration of the well-known Angkor Wat temple complex, one of the largest religious monuments in the world. From here, the focus shifts to the lesser-known temple of Koh Ker, located approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Angkor Wat. Built under the reign of King Jayavarman IV in the 10th century, Koh Ker was once a large and important city of the Khmer empire, but it was abandoned and eventually lost to the jungle for many years.

The episode explores the ruins of Koh Ker and the mysteries surrounding the site. Archaeologists have discovered many inscriptions at the site, including one that mentions an ancient Khmer belief in spirits that could possess people. The team meets with local experts who believe that these spirits still haunt the site and that Koh Ker is a power center for their activity.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a number of different perspectives on the Lost Spirits of Cambodia. From archaeologists to locals, everyone has their own beliefs about what happened at Koh Ker and the role of the spirits in the Khmer empire. While some believe that the spirits are simply a myth or legend, others are convinced that they are real and must be respected.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is the exploration of the practice of ancestor worship in the ancient Khmer empire. Archaeologists have uncovered many artifacts at Koh Ker, including statues of the gods and goddesses worshipped by the people of the time. But they have also found smaller, more personal items, such as pottery and jewelry, that were used in ancestor worship.

The team meets with local families who still practice ancestor worship today and learn more about the importance of this tradition in Khmer culture. They also visit the ruins of the temple of Prasat Chen, which is dedicated to the Khmer god of death, Yama. Here, they explore the intricate carvings that depict the fate of souls after death.

The theme of ancestor worship and the belief in the afterlife is woven throughout the episode, providing a fascinating glimpse into ancient Khmer culture and beliefs. The team visits a cave that was once used for funerary rites and examines the elaborate rituals that were performed to ensure that the spirits of the deceased were properly cared for.

The episode concludes with a look at the ongoing efforts to preserve the site at Koh Ker and protect it from damage and looting. The team meets with local officials and archaeologists who are working to uncover the secrets of the Lost Spirits of Cambodia while also ensuring that the site is protected for future generations.

Overall, Lost Spirits of Cambodia is a fascinating exploration of the ancient Khmer beliefs in the afterlife, ancestor worship, and the spirits that haunted their world. Through expert interviews, on-site exploration, and stunning footage of the temples and ruins, viewers are transported back in time to experience the mysteries of the Khmer empire for themselves.