Angkor Thom
King Jayavarman VII established Angkor Thom in the late twelfth century as the final capital of the Khmer Empire. An inscription found within the city refers to Jayavarman as a groom and the city as his bride, framing their relationship in intimate terms. This new capital overlapped parts of Yasodharapura, which had been centered slightly further northwest three centuries earlier. The Khmers did not draw clear distinctions between the two names until the name Angkor Thom came into use from the 16th century. Even in the 14th century, an official inscription still used the older name for the site. The most notable temples from that earlier era include the Baphuon and Phimeanakas, both incorporated into the royal palace complex. The last temple constructed in Angkor Thom was Mangalartha, dedicated in 1295. After this date, any new creations were made of perishable materials and have not survived.
The construction style known as Bayon defines the visual character of the ruins through large scale and specific material choices. Builders used laterite extensively throughout the walls and structures, buttressing them with earth to create stability. Face-towers stand at each entrance to the city, posing problems of interpretation regarding who they represent. These towers may depict the king himself, the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, or guardians of the empire's cardinal points. Naga-carrying giant figures accompany each tower, creating a distinct aesthetic across the entire site. A causeway spans the moat in front of every tower, featuring rows of devas on one side and asuras on the other. Each row holds a naga in the attitude of a tug-of-war, referencing the myth popular in Angkor about the Churning of the Sea of Milk. The gateways themselves measure roughly 7 meters wide and would originally have been closed with wooden doors.
The city lies on the west bank of the Siem Reap River, situated about 1 kilometer from the river itself. Walls measuring 8 meters high enclose an area of 9 square kilometers, flanked by a moat that stretches for 3.6 kilometers. Roads lead from gates at each cardinal point directly to the Bayon temple at the center of the city. Another gate known as the Victory Gate sits 400 meters north of the east gate. The Victory Way runs parallel to the east road leading toward Victory Square and the Royal Palace. Within the city walls, a system of canals flowed water from the northeast to the southwest. Most of the land enclosed by the walls was occupied by secular buildings, none of which remain today. This area is now covered by forest, hiding the former urban grid beneath the trees. Archaeologists interpret the city's outer walls and moats as representing the mountains and oceans surrounding Mount Meru.
Vast displays of bas-relief depict gods, goddesses, and other-worldly beings from Hindu mythological stories and epic poems. Mingled with these images are actual known animals like elephants, snakes, fish, and monkeys alongside dragon-like creatures. These stylized serpents feature feet and claws similar to those found in Chinese art. At Ta Prohm near a huge stone entrance, roundels on pilasters show unusual designs compared to standard patterns. These roundels depict common animals such as pigs, monkeys, water buffaloes, roosters, and snakes without any mythological figures. One can reasonably conclude these figures represent animals commonly seen by ancient Khmer people during the twelfth century. Corner shrines called Prasat Chrung stand at each corner of the city, built of sandstone and dedicated to Avalokiteshvara. These structures are cruciform with a central tower oriented toward the east.
The Ayutthaya Kingdom led by King Borommarachathirat II sacked Angkor Thom, forcing the Khmers under Ponhea Yat to relocate their capital southeast to Phnom Penh. The city was abandoned sometime prior to 1609 when an early western visitor wrote of an uninhabited place described as fantastic as Atlantis. It is believed the site sustained a population between 80,000 and 150,000 people before its fall. A poem composed in Khmer verse in 1622 describes the beauty of Angkor Thom despite its emptiness. No new temples were constructed after 1295, leaving existing structures to decay over time. The wooden doors that once closed the gateways have long since rotted away, exposing the interior to the elements. Forest growth now covers much of the former urban area where secular buildings once stood.
Today the south gate serves as the main entrance for tourists visiting the ruins from Siem Reap. The site stands as one of the major tourist attractions of Southeast Asia, drawing visitors from around the world. An early western visitor's description comparing the ruins to Plato's Atlantis continues to shape modern perceptions of the location. The complex appears briefly in popular culture including films like King Kong and video games such as Civilization IV. Archaeologists continue to study the bas-reliefs and structural details to understand the original function of each space. Ongoing efforts focus on preserving the remaining stone monuments against natural erosion and vegetation encroachment. The city remains a significant historical landmark within Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.
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Common questions
Who established Angkor Thom in the late twelfth century?
King Jayavarman VII established Angkor Thom as the final capital of the Khmer Empire. An inscription found within the city refers to Jayavarman as a groom and the city as his bride, framing their relationship in intimate terms.
When was the last temple constructed in Angkor Thom?
The last temple constructed in Angkor Thom was Mangalartha, which was dedicated on the 2nd of May 1295. After this date, any new creations were made of perishable materials and have not survived.
Where is Angkor Thom located relative to the Siem Reap River?
The city lies on the west bank of the Siem Reap River, situated about 1 kilometer from the river itself. Walls measuring 8 meters high enclose an area of 9 square kilometers, flanked by a moat that stretches for 3.6 kilometers.
Why did the Khmers relocate their capital from Angkor Thom to Phnom Penh?
The Ayutthaya Kingdom led by King Borommarachathirat II sacked Angkor Thom, forcing the Khmers under Ponhea Yat to relocate their capital southeast to Phnom Penh. The city was abandoned sometime prior to 1609 when an early western visitor wrote of an uninhabited place described as fantastic as Atlantis.
What animals are depicted in the bas-reliefs at Ta Prohm near Angkor Thom?
Roundels on pilasters at Ta Prohm depict common animals such as pigs, monkeys, water buffaloes, roosters, and snakes without any mythological figures. One can reasonably conclude these figures represent animals commonly seen by ancient Khmer people during the twelfth century.