Angkor is a complex of ancient temples located in the Siem Reap Province of Cambodia. The temples were built by the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries CE, and are considered to be one of the greatest architectural achievements of Southeast Asia. The temples of Angkor were originally built as Hindu temples, but later became Buddhist temples. They are known for their unique architectural styles, intricate carvings, and stunning bas-reliefs.
The Angkor temples are spread over an area of approximately 400 square kilometers and are surrounded by a moat and a wall. The temples are built of sandstone and laterite, and were constructed using the corbelled arch technique, which allowed the Khmer architects to build tall and massive structures without the use of columns or other supports.
The most famous of the temples is Angkor Wat, which was built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Angkor Wat is considered to be the largest religious monument in the world, and is known for its impressive bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple is also famous for its five towers, which are said to represent the peaks of Mount Meru, the home of the Hindu gods.
Another famous temple is the Bayon, which was built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. The Bayon is known for its many towers, each of which is topped by a face of the Buddha or of King Jayavarman VII himself. The temple is also famous for its extensive bas-reliefs, which depict scenes of everyday life in ancient Cambodia.
The temples of Angkor are also known for their intricate carvings, which cover almost every surface of the temples. The carvings depict scenes from Hindu mythology, as well as scenes of daily life, such as farming and fishing. The carvings are often so intricate that they appear to be three-dimensional, and are a testament to the skill of the Khmer artisans.
The temples of Angkor were abandoned by the Khmer Empire in the 15th century, and were eventually reclaimed by the jungle. It wasn't until the late 19th century that the temples were rediscovered by French explorer Henri Mouhot. Since then, the temples have become a major tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors each year.
In recent years, the temples have faced a number of challenges, including overcrowding, erosion, and theft. The Cambodian government has taken steps to address these issues, including limiting the number of visitors to certain areas of the temples and increasing security measures.
Despite these challenges, the temples of Angkor remain one of the most impressive architectural achievements of Southeast Asia. Their intricate carvings, unique architectural styles, and stunning bas-reliefs continue to inspire awe and wonder in visitors from around the world.
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