# The Poisoned Wells of Angkor: Did Warfare Pollute the Water?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-khmer-empire-s-sudden-collapse-explained-fexingo-history-7829682/the-poisoned-wells-of-angkor-did-warfare-pollute-the-water
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-khmer-empire-s-sudden-collapse-explained-fexingo-history-7829682/the-poisoned-wells-of-angkor-did-warfare-pollute-the-water.md
Podcast: [The Khmer Empire's Sudden Collapse Explained — Fexingo History](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-khmer-empire-s-sudden-collapse-explained-fexingo-history-7829682)
Published: 2026-06-22T00:51:56+00:00
Episode link: https://audio.fexingo.com/history/the-khmer-empires-sudden-collapse-explained/episode-0114.mp3
Audio file: https://audio.fexingo.com/history/the-khmer-empires-sudden-collapse-explained/episode-0114.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-khmer-empire-s-sudden-collapse-explained-fexingo-history-7829682/episodes/the-poisoned-wells-of-angkor-did-warfare-pollute-the-water
Duration seconds: 408

## Resource

Lucas and Luna explore a lesser-known theory for the Khmer Empire's collapse: biological warfare and water contamination. In 1431, as Ayutthayan forces besieged Yasodharapura, did they intentionally poison the city's reservoirs, or did the massive death toll from battle and disease corrupt the water supply? The episode examines the evidence from the siege, the city's intricate water management system, and accounts from the Ming shi lu. They discuss how corpses in the barays could have spread cholera and typhoid, contributing to the abandonment of Angkor. A specific focus on the West Baray and the role of the Tonle Sap river system adds fresh context. #KhmerEmpire #Angkor #Ayutthaya #Warfare #WaterPollution #BiologicalWarfare #1431Siege #Yasodharapura #WestBaray #TonleSap #MingShiLu #Disease #Cholera #Typhoid #BorommarachaII #PonheaYat #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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