S10-7

The Ancient Iron Industry in Cambodia

Royal Academy of Cambodia, Cambodia

The research project entitled ‘The Ancient Iron Industry in Cambodia’ was established by the Royal Academy of Cambodia with the purpose of searching for the source of the iron industry, which led to the growth of the ancient Khmer Empire, and underpinned the emergence of the great empire (Moha Norkor) era from the 9th century to the 15th century AD. The Moha Norkor constructed hundreds of sandstone and laterite temples still present in Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Research by Dr. Thuy Chanthourn, Deputy-Director General of Institute of Culture and Fine Arts, Royal Academy of Cambodia since 2010 has focused on the northern area in Preah Vihear, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, and the western area of Stung Treng Province. The purpose of the project is to preserve national heritage sites and to contribute to the establishment of Samdech Techo Hun Sen Eco-Global Museum in Preah Vihear province, leading to the creation of a law to protect those sites and the creation of a new national park at the ancient iron-producing industrial sites.