At Angkor, France Continues Its Archaeological 'Puzzles'

Published 2026-11-11

In Cambodia, French archaeologists are continuing meticulous work at the Angkor site, one of the largest temple complexes in the world. This work involves reconstructing monuments whose stones have fallen or been scattered over the centuries. Specialists sometimes refer to archaeological "puzzles," because each block must be identified, put back in place, and assembled with precision.

This mission has been carried out for several decades by the École française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO), a research institution based in Asia. The teams use a technique called anastylosis, which involves putting the original elements of a building back in place. The researchers first study the stones, photograph them, and number them. They then verify their original position using ancient documents and the surveys made by their predecessors.

The work requires a great deal of patience and technical resources. The stones are often fragile, and the teams sometimes have to add new elements to ensure the stability of the structures. These operations are also important for the protection of Cambodian heritage, since the temples attract many visitors each year.

Angkor remains a major cultural symbol for Cambodia, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The French presence at this site illustrates the scientific cooperation between the two countries, which continues in the fields of research and conservation.

Sources: Orange Actualités

More France news

All France news · News by country