Reclaiming History in Southeast Asia

Author: Dale Brown
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: The volumes of Lost Civilizations showcase the trajectory of the origins and early transformations of civilizations, long forgotten by later generations. Reading them is like adults revisiting old photographs of their childhood—each scene evokes a faint sense of nostalgia. This series can be enjoyed as an art album while also serving as a reference for travelers to the world, helping them understand the must-see ancient sites and landmarks. The process of civilization development is never simple or linear. No ancient civilization in history has escaped multiple twists and turns, or even regression. Some civilizations ultimately faded into extinction and oblivion. Many creations of civilizations vanished in the flow of time, reappearing only after many generations. People call archaeology the search for lost civilizations precisely for this reason—under the spades and trowels of archaeologists, countless unexpected discoveries have been made. Many things traditionally thought to belong only to modern times actually have ancient origins. Southeast Asia lies at the crossroads of India and China. For a long time, it was believed that the civilization of Southeast Asia was the result of cultural accumulation here from these two great ancient nations. The influence of China and India, especially India, was indeed significant and profound. The depiction of the Hindu demon Kala here is even more prominent than in India itself. However, recent research has shown that the civilization that emerged in Southeast Asia was not simply a case of cultural transplantation. This civilization developed in its own unique way from prehistoric times. In Cambodia's Angkor, the moss-covered stones carry the melancholic tone of ancient Southeast Asian cities, these abandoned cities now overgrown with jungle. A 19th-century French explorer visited Angkor and, after reflecting, wrote with: "What fragile things are the creations of humankind! How unfortunate! Beneath the ruins will forever lie buried treasures of art and beauty. How many outstanding artists, rulers, and brave men have now been forgotten!"