50 | Viking Explorer Society News
A Temple
TIME FORGOT
The crown jewel in Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is one
of the world's most magnificent archaeological feats.
A
ngkor Wat, located in the Siam
Reap province of Cambodia, stands
as one of the most remarkable
architectural feats in human history.
Constructed in the early 12th century during the
reign of King Suryavarman II, this sprawling
temple complex originally served as a Hindu
temple dedicated to the god Vishnu before
gradually transforming into a Buddhist site by
the end of the 12th century. Its grandeur,
intricate design, and symbolic meaning make
Angkor Wat a profound testament to the
ingenuity of the Khmer Empire.
Clockwise from
above: Apsara
Dancers Angkor
Wat-Temple;
Angkor Wat
Cambodia.
The architectural layout of Angkor
Wat is designed to represent Mount
Meru, the mythological home of the gods
in Hindu cosmology. This symbolism is
apparent in the central quincunx of
towers, with the tallest tower rising to
65 meters, signifying the centre of the
universe. Surrounding these central
towers are expansive galleries and
courtyards, organised in a harmonious,
concentric arrangement that reflects
the universe's structure.
One of the most striking features of Angkor
Wat is its vast moat, which spans 1.5 kilometres
by 1.3 kilometres. The causeway crossing this
moat is a grand processional path that guides
visitors towards the temple, evoking a sense of
ceremonial importance and grandeur.
The temple's walls are adorned with extensive
artwork, covering more than 1,200 square
meters. These carvings depict various scenes
from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and
Mahabharata, as well as historical events and
celestial beings known as apsaras. The level of
History of Angkor Wat with Dr John Freedman
