Date of Construction:
Late 12th - Early 13th
century C.E.
Religious Affiliation:
Buddhist
Patron or King:
Jayavarman VII
Artistic/Archeo. Style:
Bayon
Location: Angkor Thom
Duration of Visit: See
individual temple listings
Photography Notes:
Position (Center, Bayon):
13d26'28N 103d51'31E
Angkor Thom
(Big Angkor) is a 3km2 walled and moated royal city
and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. After
Jayavarman VII recaptured the Angkorian capital from the Cham
invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across
the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He
began with existing structures such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas
and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer
wall/moat and some of Angkor’s greatest temples including his
state-temple, Bayon, set at the center of the city. There are
five entrances (gates) to the city, one of each cardinal point,
and the victory gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate
is crowned with 4 giant faces. The South Gate is often the first
stop on a tour. |
