Oudong

Oudong, located in present-day Cambodia, was a significant post-Angkorian capital from 1618 to 1866. This site, nestled at the base of Phnom Oudong mountain, served as the royal residence and housed a monumental necropolis atop its bisected peak. The name, derived from the Sanskrit 'uttuṅga,' reflecting the site's towering prominence, underscores its historical and religious significance. Founded by King Srei Soryapor in 1601, Oudong flourished under King Ang Duong with infrastructural advancements, including canals and pagodas. The city remained the heart of Cambodian sovereignty until King Norodom moved the capital to Phnom Penh in 1866. Sadly, Oudong faced devastation during the Cambodian Civil War, particularly under the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. Despite this, Oudong's archaeological remnants offer a profound glimpse into Cambodia's royal and cultural history, meriting its inclusion on UNESCO's tentative list for World Heritage status.