This is the captivating moment traditional Cambodian musicians brought ancient sounds to life.

Footage shows three men sitting on the ground with percussion instruments in front of them at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.

One of the artists, wearing a white polo shirt, can be seen playing the Roneat Ek, a xylophone-like instrument, using two wooden mallets. His colleague in front accompanies him by playing the Skor, a traditional drum, with his bare hands.

Meanwhile, the third musician sits behind them, patiently waiting for his turn.

Behind the performers, a large map of the Khmer Empire is displayed, highlighting the vast region it once covered — including present-day Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and parts of Vietnam.

The Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th century, was one of the most powerful and culturally rich civilisations in Southeast Asia.