10 Inspiring Forgotten Ruins Reclaimed By Nature

Forgotten Ruins In Cambodia: Beng Mealea And Phnom Kulen

Mother Nature has run rampant in many of Cambodia’s jungle ruins, including the large and enigmatic temple of Beng Mealea, which has been dramatically devoured by the surrounding forest.

Climbing around these isolated and overgrown ruins, where deteriorated structures are covered in lush vegetation, is a reminder of the resilience and endurance of mother nature.

The catastrophic medieval city of Mahendraparvata was discovered buried beneath the lush greenery of the jungle plateau of Phnom Kulen, Cambodia’s most sacred mountain.

The vast remains were unearthed in 2012 by archaeologists who launched airborne laser scanner surveys on the area.

The surveys on the national park identified the remains of an almighty city comparable to Angkor Wat, a vast network of temples, palaces, and waterworks infrastructure.

Archaeologists had long sought the rumored lost hilltop capital Mahendraparvata, “the mountain of the great Indra, king of the gods,” founded in AD 802 and was the birthplace of the great Khmer civilization. When the city was deserted, the tropical forest took over.

Tell us what you thought about these incredible forgotten ruins around the world! And be sure to check our site for some other great “nature” stories. Who knows, you might get inspired to plan a trip!

But meanwhile, you should also check out: 10 Most Stunning Cathedrals Around the World