Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, built by Jayavarman VII in the late twelfth century. He was the greatest of the Khmer Kings.
Surrounded by a moat and walls the remains of Angkor Thom demonstrate a powerful empire. The remains include the temple of Bayon, the Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.
The temple of Bayon has 2000 faces on 54 towers
The Gates of Angkor Thom
At each of the cardinal points is a gate big enough to allow Elephants to pass through. Facing the four cardinal points at the top of each gate is a stone face.
Stone Face of the Southern Gate to Angkor Whom
South Gate to Angkor ThomClose up of the GateThe asuras (demons) line the right side of the gateThe devas (gods) line the left side of the gateThe South Gate filled with Tuk-TuksColleen and Emma pose for a photo while it is quiet
The Temple of Bayon
The EntranceAn Intrepid ExplorerA peaceful moment with few people aroundA magnificent structureFaces become more clearAn ancient temple awaits explorationFaces of BayonOne thought is that the faces are images of the King, Jayavarman VIIbas-relief of ArmyThe roof below the face has stood for over 800 years
The majority of the Towers have 4 facesSide shotBas-relief of female dancerAttention to detailTime touches us all
The Angkor smileAt peaceSereneSilent sentinelpeaceful visionI am here for an adventureWe are being watchedStand for eternityAnother intrepid explorerShall we Dance?Dancing is healthyjigsaw puzzleWe are to WarPardon me? Can you pass the Grey Poupon?How many faces do you see?Dancing on lotus flowers
Baphuon
The Baphuon, state temple of King Udayadityavarman II, lies between the Royal Palace and the Bayon temple. It is in the shape of a stepped pyramid. The sandstone monument is dedicated to Shiva. In the 15th century, when converted into a Buddhist temple part of the temple was destroyed. Colleen stayed with Ben at the bottom as children under 12 are not allowed into the higher portions of the terrace. After climbing the steep stairs the age limit made sense.
Ben at BaphuonWalking into BaphuonThe gate to the palaceWaiting at the bottom among the stonesThe top of BaphuonLooks like something out of Dr WhoThe walkway into BaphuonWaiting patientlyEmma taking a break at the topThe great puzzle of piecesThey are a small people
The Elephant Terrace
Built by the King, Jayavarman VII, so that he could watch his returning army march through the Victory gate. He knew how to have a parade!
Elephants adorn the walls of the terraceMonkeys on the inner wall facing the palaceThe Elephant terrace to hold spectators for the Army returning victorious from battleRavaged by time, the Elephants are visibleOutcropping of the Elephant TerraceThe Tuk-Tuks stream past the terraceTowers in the distance between the palace and the victory gate
Terrace of the Leper King
According to Inga, who travels to Cambodia quite a bit, “When the statue was first discovered, it had massive discoloration and moss growing on it resembling a person with leprosy. The statue represents Yama – the Lord of the Dead. In the past, it was thought to represent the legendary “leper king”, King Yasovarman I. The is now considered to have functioned as a royal cremation platform.”
Intricate carvings adorn the walls of the terraceThe male figure looks like an asura (demon)This replica of the statue of the Leper King which has moved to the National Museum in Phnom Penh is either Yama, Lord of the Dead or King Yasovarman I
We had the opportunity to video the Elephant Terrace to the Terrace of the Leper King from the Tuk-tuk as we drove to a different site the following day. The video gives you a true sense of how big the promenade was. Gotta Love a good parade!
Next post Ta Prohm Temple made famous by Tomb Raider and Angelina Jolie.
