How Khmers change the physical landscape to build Angkor Wat in 13th century?

In the 13th century, the Khmers transformed the physical landscape to build Angkor Wat by harnessing advanced engineering techniques, including extensive irrigation systems and water management practices. They constructed canals, reservoirs, and moats to control water flow and support agriculture, which was crucial for sustaining the large workforce needed for the temple's construction. The intricate layout of Angkor Wat itself was designed to symbolize the cosmos, with its central tower representing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu mythology. This monumental effort demonstrated the Khmers' ingenuity in architecture and landscape modification.