In 2015, the NSC Archaeology Unit and APSARA National Authority conducted archaeological research at two sema stone sites in Cambodia. Further support was provided by the Asian Civilisations Museum. The sema stone sites, Peam Kre and Don... more
In 2015, the NSC Archaeology Unit and APSARA National Authority conducted archaeological research at two sema stone sites in Cambodia. Further support was provided by the Asian Civilisations Museum. The sema stone sites, Peam Kre and Don Meas, are located adjacent to the Banteay site atop Phnom Kulen (Kulen Mountain; Mahendraparvata) in the Angkorian homeland at Siem Reap. Phnom Kulen is widely considered to be the holy mountain and birthplace of the Angkorian Empire under the reign of Jayavarman II—a Saivite king—where he first orchestrated the renowned devaraja ritual in 802 CE. The ritual has critical symbolic and political importance.
