Date of Construction:
Early 13th century
C.E.
Religious Affiliation:
Hinduism
Patron or King:
Indravarman II
Artistic/Archeo. Style:
Post-Bayon
Location: Central Angkor
Thom
Duration of Visit: 15-30
minutes
Time to Visit: Anytime, but
the afternoon offers the best light.
Photography Notes:
Afternoon
Position (first tower south of E/W road):
13d26'44N 103d51'37E
Twelve nearly identical laterite and
sandstone towers that stand opposite and parallel to the
Terrace of the Elephants.
The artistic and architectural style of the towers is somewhat
unique, defying easy classification and dating. Construction may
have begun under Jayavarman VII, but the towers do not display
the classic Bayon-style characteristics. It has been argued that
they may be post-Bayon or perhaps much earlier, as early the
11th century. The original function of the towers is a matter of
debate but in the 13th century classic, "Customs of Cambodia,"
Chinese emissary to Angkor, Zhou Daguan, gives a romantic but
dubious first hand account of their function. He wrote that the
towers were used to settle legal disputes and matters of
criminal justice. The belligerent parties were kept in the
towers for a few days. The one to emerge in ill health was
declared the loser, guilty by divine decree. Best photographed
in the late afternoon. |
