Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, originally constructed in the early 12th century as a state temple for the Khmer Empire. Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu by King Suryavarman II, it represents the pinnacle of Khmer architectural style, characterized by its monumental scale, symmetrical layout, and extensive bas-reliefs depicting mythological narratives and historical events.
The temple is designed to represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hindu cosmology, with its five central towers mirroring the peaks of the sacred mountain. Surrounded by a vast moat and an outer wall, the structure serves as a testament to the sophisticated engineering and artistic capabilities of the Khmer civilization, eventually transitioning into a Buddhist site by the end of the 12th century.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Sandstone, Laterite, Brick
- Civilization
- Khmer Empire
- Accessibility
- Partial accessibility; some areas involve steep stairs and uneven terrain
- Date(s)
- 1113–1150 CE
- Condition
- Well-preserved, active religious site
- Original Function
- Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu
- Key Figures
- King Suryavarman II
Foundation and Construction
1113–1150 CECommissioned by King Suryavarman II, the temple was built over approximately 30 years. It was intended to serve as the king's state temple and eventual mausoleum, breaking from the tradition of earlier Khmer kings who dedicated temples to Shiva.
Religious Transition
Late 12th–14th centuryFollowing the death of Suryavarman II, the empire faced political instability. By the late 12th century, the temple began a gradual transition from a Hindu site to a center of Theravada Buddhist worship, a function it has maintained to the present day.
Rediscovery and Conservation
19th century–presentWhile never completely abandoned by local monks, the site gained international attention in the mid-19th century following accounts by French explorers. Extensive restoration efforts have been ongoing since the early 20th century, managed by the EFEO and later the APSARA Authority.