Plot Synopsis

This two-part program uncovers the hidden story behind the creation of Cambodia's ancient city of Angkor, whose famous temples were built over the span of five centuries by the rulers of the Khmer Empire. Starting with the reign of Suryavarman II, king of the Khmer Empire from 1113 to 1145 AD, LAND OF THE GODS shows how Angkor Wat, the largest temple on the face of the Earth, was constructed over four backbreaking decades, while revealing how the monument appeared 900 years ago -- before being lost within the tropical forests of Cambodia. Then the story shifts to Jayavarman VII, king from 1181 to 1218 AD, who became the rule of the Khmer Empire after he defeated the Champa kingdom and subsequently built palaces and temples that were spectacular architectural wonders -- before time and nature took their toll on this once great city and its temples to which Buddhists, Hindus, and hundreds of thousands of travelers from around the globe flock annually.