A transport geographic perspective on travel and communication in Angkorian Southeast Asia (ninth to fifteenth centuries<scp>ad</scp>)

Abstract

Abstract The medieval Khmer built an extensive road system from their capital of Angkor across vast stretches of mainland Southeast Asia. Integrating the concepts of structure and accessibility it is apparent that this system serves to connect the capital with Khmer centres near important geographic resources, such as iron and copper, and the regional river network. While these roads served multiple purposes their formalization is directly linked to the movement of critical economic commodities and ensuring the security of the Empire's core.