Archaeological Projects in Cambodia

NOTE: I no longer regularly update this page, but happy to add or update links!

You might also be interested in checking out this post: So, you want to be an archaeologist in Cambodia?

A list of recent archaeological projects in Cambodia.  Please contact me if you have any additions/changes/or additional information on these projects.

-The APSARA Authority has many projects in the Angkor region, both collaborative and independent.

–Cambodian Archaeological Lidar Initiative (CALI)

–Cheung Ek: Archaeological investigation of a circular earthwork and kiln site led by Phon Kaseka.

-Ecole Francaise D’Extreme Orient: runs several programs in Cambodia including those based in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh–including the Inventory of Archaeological Sites (CISARK).

–Greater Angkor Project: Long-term on-going projects in the Angkor region, run by the University of Sydney, EFEO, and APSARA Authority.

–History in their Bones Project: From their website-“A diachronic, bioarchaeological study of diet, mobility and social organisation from Cambodian skeletal assemblages.”

–Industries of Angkor Project: Excavations at the site of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay, an important Angkorian iron-working site, led by Dr. Mitch Hendrickson.

–A project by Thuy Chanthourn investigating iron working sites in Preah Vihear province.

-INRAP and the APSARA Authority are working on a joint project at the Siem Reap airport, lead by Pierre Baty.

–Khmer Production and Exchange – a project investigating Angkorian kilns and ceramic production.

–Koh Ker:  Excavations at the “Tomb of the White elephant.”

–Koh Ker Archaeological Project (KKAP) directed by Dr. Sarah Klassen

–Laang Spean: A recent re-investigation of this important prehistoric site.

–The Living in the Shadow Angkor Project has been investigating jar burials in the Cardamom Mountains.

–Lower Mekong Archaeological Project– Survey and Excavation in the Mekong Delta region of Cambodia, centered around the site of Angkor Borei and run by the University of Hawaii.

-A project investigating the post-Angkorian capital of Longvek, directed by Dr. Martin Polkinghorne of Flinders University.

–Memot Centre: A series of research projects on circular earthworks in the Memot region.

-A Japanese-Cambodian project through NARA National Research Institute for Cultural Properties on the post-Angkorian capitals of Longvek and Oudong.

–Urbanism after Angkor – Dr. Martin Polkinghorne has been leading several collaborative projects looking at Post-Angkorian capitals around Cambodia.

–Paddy to Pura: The Origins of Angkor Archaeological Project: From their website- “The principal aim of the project is to examine emerging sociopolitical complexity in Cambodia and Thailand prior to the rise of the Angkorian state. For the first time, archaeological research is being undertaken on a regional scale using a diachronic approach investigating sites from the mid-1st millennium BCE to the late 1st millennium CE. Employing a suite of advanced archaeological technologies, the research will result in answers to the enduring questions regarding the rise of complex society in Southeast Asia.”

–Phnom Kulen Program: Research on multiple Angkorian and Pre-Angkorian sites on Phnom Kulen.

–Preah Vihear: Excavations have begun at this famous Angkorian temple site.

–Prohear: Excavations at the Iron Age sites of Prohear.  A collaboration between the German Archaeological Institute and the Memot Center.

–Sambor Prei Kuk: Excavation and Conservation at SPK has been undertaken by Waseda University and the MOCFA.

-A project directed by Dr. Martin Polkinghorne focused on investigating sculpture workshops in the Angkor region.

–Sre Ampil Archaeological Project: A training project led by Khmer archaeologists from the Royal University of Fine Arts and the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

– The Two Buddhist Towers, A multi-scalar evaluation of the practice, change, and function of Buddhism at the regional Angkorian center of Preah Khan of Kompong Svay, Cambodia (10th to 17th c. CE).

-“De Yasodharapura à Angkor Thom:” An French-Cambodian archaeological research program on the city of Angkor Thom.