Unearthing an Atlantean myth in Angkor: geoarchaeological investigation of the ‘underwater road’ crossing the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

Of the many myths surrounding the medieval city of Angkor, Cambodia, one of the most obscure but pervasive is the existence of a road built across the Tonle Sap Lake. This road supposedly ran from the Angkorian ‘port’ at Phnom Krom to the temples situated in the Battambang district some 70 km southwest of capital. New geoarchaeological information demonstrates that the ‘road’ is actually a series of localised occurrences of authegenic calcite, which probably formed approximately 5500 years Before Present. Our results demystify this intractable Cambodian legend expand on the dynamic history of this important water body in mainland Southeast Asia.

► We investigate the existence of an ancient road built across the Tonle Sap Lake. ► Sample of proposed road was analysed using Raman spectroscopy. ► Sample was submitted for accelerator mass spectrometer radiocarbon dating. ► The road is identified as authegenic calcite formed much before Angkor. ► We reconsider the role and articulation of network systems in Angkor society.