Angkor Wat
Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, which began in the 8th century when the god-king Jayavarman II declared the region’s independence from Java. At its height, the empire covered not only Cambodia but also parts of modern-day Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
The Khmer empire produced some of the world’s most magnificent architectural masterpieces in the Angkor area between the 9th and 12th centuries. The temples of the Angkor area number over one thousand, ranging in scale from nondescript piles of brick rubble scattered through rice fields to the magnificent Angkor Wat. 72 major temples or other buildings are contained within the 400 km² area. This makes it the largest pre-industrial complex of its type.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most famous and most visited temple dates back to the early 12th century when it was built for the king Suryavarman II as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the Angkor site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation – first Hindu, then Buddhist. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country’s most famous sight for visitors.
Photo by flydime
The initial design and construction of the temple took place in the first half of the 12th century, during the reign of Suryavarman II. Work ended shortly after the king’s death, leaving some of the decoration unfinished. Approximately 27 years after the death of Sulyavarman II, Angkor was sacked by the Chams, the traditional enemies of the Khmer. Thereafter the empire was restored by a new king, Jayavarman VII, who established a new capital and state temple a few kilometres to the north.
Angkor Wat is unusual among the Angkor temples in that although it was somewhat neglected after the 16th century it was never completely abandoned, its preservation being due in part to the fact that its moat also provided some protection from encroachment by the jungle.
Photo by tylerdurden
Angkor Wat was rediscovered in the jungle area by French naturalist Henri Mahout in 1860. Since then it has under gone considerable restoration work in the 20th century, mainly the removal of accumulated earth and vegetation. Work was interrupted by the civil war and Khmer Rouge control of the country during the 1970s and 1980s, but relatively little damage was done during this period other than the theft and destruction of mostly post-Angkorian statues.
In 1993, Angkor was added to Unesco’s World Heritage List, described as:
“Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings.”
Angkor Wat Visitor Information
Angkor Wat is located about six kilometers (four miles) north of Siem Reap, south of Angkor Thom. Entry and exit to Angkor Wat can only be access from its west gate.
Opening hours are from sunrise to sunset.