The Royal Palace compound is a grand example of great Cambodian architecture (other than the French style building built by Napoleon).  It was one of the few trappings of a non-agrarian society that Pol Pot let stand.  It was probably because the king, after he was deposed in a military coup, called on the Khmer Rouge for assistance.

The killing fields were depressing.  During Pol Pot’s 4 year reign (1975-1979), over 3 million Cambodians died from starvation, government genocide or medical problems as he attempted to change Cambodia into a pure agrarian society.  Schools, hospitals, banks and the monetary system were destroyed.  Phnom Penh was abandoned and it’s 2.5 million residents were transported to the country to farm, build waterways, etc.  Those former city residents and other elites had to work 18 hours daily as the country people were only required to work 12 hours.  The killing fields were where the “enemies of the government” (including their whole families) were shipped for torture & murder.  The memorial at  the killing fields contained almost 9000 skulls on display.  Only 4 people were ever tried and convicted for these atrocities.  Pol Pot died of natural causes years after he was overthrown.