A new satellite-based LiDAR survey has revealed previously unknown 11th-century structures located on the steep slopes surrounding the Preah Vihear temple complex on the Cambodia-Thailand border. These buildings, identified as 'library' annexes, are arranged in a precise geometric pattern that suggests they were part of a vast monastic educational system dedicated to the study of Vedic texts and Khmer law.
The discovery indicates that the sacred site of Preah Vihear was much more extensive than previously recorded, serving as a regional center for intellectual and spiritual life. Preliminary ground surveys have found evidence of sandstone plinths and collapsed tile roofs. The Cambodian Ministry of Culture plans to incorporate these new areas into the official UNESCO World Heritage management plan to ensure their long-term preservation.