Eric Bourdonneau

Eric Bourdonneau is a Lecturer at the French School of the Far East (EFEO) affiliated with the Southeast Asia Center (CASE). He specializes in the history and archaeology of ancient Cambodia, with a focus on Indianization, state formation, and the analysis of sacred spaces.

• Doctorate: University of Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne (Archaeology) and Paris III Sorbonne Nouvelle (Oriental Languages)

His research explores the interplay between hydraulic networks, royal ideology, and religious symbolism in pre-Angkorian and Angkorian periods. He has led archaeological missions at Koh Ker and contributed extensively to debates on the Devarāja cult and historiographical challenges in Khmer studies.

Recent publications address topics like Funan's hydraulic systems, the Kamraten Jagat, and the ritual significance of Prasat Thom. His work emphasizes critical source analysis (inscriptions, iconography, landscapes) and interdisciplinary methodologies.

He has taught seminars at EHESS, INALCO, and the Royal University of Fine Arts (URBA), and collaborated with institutions like UNESCO's CIC Angkor and the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres.