A week in Cambodia -11/18/2023-11/24/2023

Siam Reap-11/23/2023

Day 6- Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom is not a singular temple dedicated to a Hindu deity such as Angkor Wat, it is instead the name of one of the most impressive royal cities of the Angkor Period (9th–15th centuries) and an urban planning marvel. At the height of its power, the Angkor Empire (also sometimes called the Khmer Empire) controlled much of modern day mainland Southeast Asia; however, the center of its kingdom always remained in Angkor, which is Siem Reap today.

With each successive king came the building of a new royal city such as Angkor Thom. The name, Angkor Thom, translated from the Khmer language means “Great Kingdom,” alluding to the grand ambitions of its patron: King Jayavarman VII. Upon coming to the throne, Jayavarman VII quickly began the process of building a new royal city (Angkor Thom) and state temple (Bayon) in the late 12th century because he understood, like Khmer rulers before him, that the capital would serve as the political and religious center of his kingdom.

First stop in Angkor Thom is the Terrace of the Leper King, also known as Preah Lean Sdach Kumlung, anddating from the late 12th century.  It was built in the Bayon style under Jayavarman VII, though its modern name derives from an 8th-century sculpture discovered at the site. The statue was called the "Leper King" because discoloration and moss growing on it was reminiscent of a person with leprosy, and also because of a Cambodian legend of an Angkorian king Yasovarman I who had leprosy.

The Terrace of the Lepper is and intriguing structure made entirely of finely carved sandstone.

The south wall face outward and are deeply carved with seated gods and goddesses.

Sculptures of goddesses.

Wall with extensive sculpting's of Devatas (gods), Apsaras (celestial nymph).

The place is huge.

Outer wall with lots of carvings.

View of part of the Angkor Archeological Park.  On the left is the outer wall of the Terrace of the Lepper King.

 Sea goddesses, the lowest band of reliefs on the terrace represents the world of the sea.

In the center, a Sea-goddess rides on a crab, and others ride various fanciful sea-creatures, among the fish swimming in the waters.

The outer wall features a lower register with five and seven headed naga (mythical serpent) at the corners and a grand nine-headed naga at the center flanked by naga-princesses (noting their headdress). The above registers feature what we can only assume to be divinities, royalty and elite, fascinatingly, all unique.

This wall features what we can only assume to be divinities, royalty and elite.

Amazing details on each carvings.

The inner wall depicting scenes for daily life, royal ceremonies ,wars, and mythological tales.

These carvings are very well preserved.

The complex carvings are not only visually stunning but it also proved invaluable insights into the social and political life of the Khmer period.

Named for the seated statue that once occupied the platform and has now been moved to the National Museum in Phnom Penh for safe-keeping. The statue was formerly thought to represent a legendary "leper king," but is now considered to represent Yama, the Lord of the Dead; the terrace itself might have functioned as a cremation platform.

 The original sculpture is believed to date from the 8th century while the terrace itself dates to a much later period of the 12th century.

We are now of the upper platform with a view of what used to be Angkor Thom.

 The Terrace of the Elephants derives its name from the intricate carvings of elephants that adorn its walls. These carvings are not just decorative, they tell stories of the empire’s might and the importance of elephants in the Khmer culture.  Elephants were symbols of strength and power, used in both warfare and ceremonial processions.

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 The Terrace was constructed during the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, who was known for his military conquests and public works projects. The original purpose of the Terrace was to provide a grandstand for King Jayavarman VII to watch military parades, boat races, and other events in the city.

 Over time, the Terrace of the Elephants became a symbol of royal power and authority in Cambodia. The structure was decorated with intricate carvings that depicted elephants, warriors, and other important figures from Khmer history. These carvings served as a record of the kingdom’s triumphs and achievements.

We are on the upper level looking over the terrace of the Leper King.

We are now heading to the inner courtyard of the Terrace of the Elephants.

Carving of the famous five headed horse.

Our group in front of the five headed horse.

Five headed horses bas relief and the Khmer fighters and dancers.

At the corner you can see the trunk of elephant sticking out of the wall.

Carving of a person wrapping around the trunk of an elephant.

Next...Bayon Temple