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Siem Reap & Angkor, Cambodia - February 2005
Part Two of Seven
The great legacy of the ancient Khmer civilization, the temples of Angkor, cover 77 square miles in northwest Cambodia. Angkor was built between the 9th and 15th centuries. While there is no conclusive explanation, the decline of the Khmer Empire was probably due in part to proximity to the Thais,
frequent invaders of Angkor, and to depletion of the 13th century forests.
The Khmers eventually shifted their capital south to Phnom Penh.


Causeway to the South Gate of Angkor Thom - Gods on the left & Demons on the right hold a huge naga -
Nagas are protective serpents against evil spirits.

 
One of the gods holding a naga
 

The entrance to Angkor Thom - A gopura with 4 Buddha faces - one for each cardinal direction


Bayon - Buddhist Temple with 54 towers with over 200 large faces, 4 on each tower, that may represent
images of King Jayavarman VII, & signify the omnipresence of the king (though some think the faces represent
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara). Bayon stands in the geographical center of the city of Angkor Thom.
Built late 12th to early 13th century


Devatas - female deities
Bas-reliefs literally covering the walls in Bayon Temple depict battles & scenes of everyday life


A view inside Bayon Temple


Many reliefs at Bayon depict battles between the Khmers & the Chams, a powerful tribe from central Vietnam


Famous scene that depicts the Chams attacking the Khmers

LINK TO ANGKOR & SIEM REAP - PART THREE


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