About Angkor Wat

Historical Timeline

Early 12th Century (1113-1150 AD)

Construction Begins

King Suryavarman II ordered the construction of Angkor Wat as a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple was designed to represent Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hindu mythology.
Late 12th Century

Transition to Buddhism

After King Jayavarman VII came to power, Angkor Wat gradually transformed from a Hindu temple to a Buddhist temple, with Buddhist imagery being added to the existing Hindu artwork.
15th Century

Abandonment

The Khmer Empire declined and the capital moved to Phnom Penh. Angkor Wat was largely abandoned, though it continued to function as a Buddhist temple on a smaller scale.
1860s

Rediscovery

French naturalist Henri Mouhot brought Angkor Wat to the attention of the Western world through his travel notes, though the temple was never truly "lost" to locals.
20th Century

Restoration Efforts

Major restoration work began under the École française d'Extrême-Orient. During the Khmer Rouge era (1975-1979), the temple suffered neglect and some damage.
1992

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Angkor Wat was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing international attention and resources for preservation and restoration.

Architectural Marvel

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, covering an area of approximately 400 acres. The temple is designed to represent Mount Meru, the sacred five-peaked mountain in Hindu cosmology.

The temple complex features a series of elevated towers, galleries, and courtyards on different levels, connected by stairways. The central tower rises 213 feet (65 meters) above the ground.

What makes Angkor Wat truly unique is its extraordinary collection of bas-relief carvings, extending over half a mile in total. These intricate carvings depict historical events, mythological stories, and scenes from everyday life during the Khmer Empire.

The temple faces west, unlike most Khmer temples which face east, which has led scholars to suggest it was dedicated to Vishnu, who is associated with the west, and that it may have been intended as a mausoleum for King Suryavarman II.

Cultural Significance

National Symbol

Angkor Wat appears on the Cambodian national flag, making Cambodia the only nation to feature a building on its flag. This demonstrates the temple's importance to Cambodian national identity.

Religious Importance

Originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, Angkor Wat later became a Buddhist temple. Today, it remains an important religious center, with active Buddhist monks maintaining shrines within the temple complex.

Architectural Influence

Angkor Wat represents the pinnacle of Khmer architecture, showcasing the empire's artistic and technical achievements. Its design has influenced Cambodian architecture for centuries and continues to inspire modern buildings.

Historical Record

The extensive bas-reliefs at Angkor Wat serve as a visual historical record, providing insights into the daily life, religious practices, and military campaigns of the Khmer Empire during its golden age.

World Heritage

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat is recognized globally for its outstanding universal value. It attracts international support for conservation efforts and serves as a symbol of human creative genius.

Tourism Impact

Angkor Wat is Cambodia's most visited tourist attraction, significantly contributing to the country's economy. Tourism has created jobs and development opportunities for local communities while raising challenges for sustainable preservation.

Historical Timeline

Construction Begins

Transition to Buddhism

Abandonment

Rediscovery

Restoration Efforts

UNESCO World Heritage Site