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Angkor Thom • Cambodia: A Historical and Geographical Overview

Angkor Thom, located in the province of Siem Reap in Cambodia, stands as one of the most significant and historically rich cities of the ancient Khmer Empire. Established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, this fortified city was not only a political and administrative center but also a cultural and spiritual hub. Angkor Thom, meaning "Great City," remains a testament to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire and its enduring legacy. This article will provide an introduction to Angkor Thom’s historical and geographical context, offering a general overview of its key landmarks without delving into detailed architectural analysis.

 

Geographical Setting of Angkor Thom

 

Angkor Thom is situated in close proximity to the Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. This lake played a vital role in the success of the Khmer Empire, providing the water resources necessary for extensive rice cultivation and supporting a large urban population. The empire’s sophisticated hydraulic system, which controlled and distributed water from the Tonlé Sap, enabled the city to thrive in an otherwise challenging tropical environment.

 

Strategically, Angkor Thom was located at the crossroads of important trade routes, which allowed the Khmer Empire to maintain control over commerce and regional influence. The city itself is surrounded by an 8-kilometer-long wall, enclosing an area of about 9 square kilometers. This fortified enclosure was an essential part of the city's defense system, designed to protect the capital from invasions. Five monumental gates, one at each cardinal point and an additional victory gate to the east, provided access to the city. The South Gate remains the most visited and offers an iconic introduction to the splendor of Angkor Thom.

 

Historical Background of Angkor Thom

 

The history of Angkor Thom is closely linked to the reign of King Jayavarman VII, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest rulers of the Khmer Empire. His reign marked a period of expansion, prosperity, and significant architectural development. Unlike many of his predecessors who adhered to Hinduism, Jayavarman VII was a devout Mahayana Buddhist, and his religious beliefs strongly influenced the design and layout of Angkor Thom.

 

The city was built following a series of military victories, which Jayavarman VII used to consolidate his power and secure his legacy. Angkor Thom was designed as a reflection of the king's vision of a divine city that represented both worldly and spiritual order. The layout of the city, with its massive monuments and temples, was intended to reinforce the king’s status as a universal ruler and the protector of his people.

 

Key Landmarks in Angkor Thom

 

While the architectural details of Angkor Thom's landmarks are beyond the scope of this article, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of some of the most notable sites within the city. These monuments provide insight into the historical and cultural importance of Angkor Thom during the height of the Khmer Empire.

 

• Baphuon Temple: Originally built in the mid-11th century before the establishment of Angkor Thom, Baphuon Temple was later incorporated into the city. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the temple underwent significant transformations during the reign of Jayavarman VII, including the addition of a massive reclining Buddha statue. The temple stands as one of the largest religious complexes within Angkor Thom and is a symbol of the city's religious diversity over the centuries.
• Bayon Temple: At the center of Angkor Thom lies the Bayon Temple, the state temple of King Jayavarman VII. This iconic structure is famous for its 54 towers, each adorned with multiple faces, thought to represent the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or possibly the king himself. The Bayon is a reflection of the Buddhist faith that dominated during Jayavarman VII's reign and stands as a symbol of the king’s spiritual and political authority.
• Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King: These two adjacent terraces served as ceremonial platforms for royal events, including public audiences and processions. The Terrace of the Elephants, with its intricate carvings of elephants and battle scenes, was likely used for viewing military parades. Meanwhile, the Terrace of the Leper King, named after a statue that is believed to depict the god Yama, the ruler of the underworld, has long been shrouded in mystery, with its purpose and meaning still debated by scholars.
• South Gate of Angkor Thom: The South Gate is the main entrance into Angkor Thom and is perhaps the most well-preserved of the five gates. It is flanked by statues of devas (gods) and asuras (demons) pulling on a giant naga, symbolizing the cosmic struggle between good and evil. Atop the gate are large stone faces, echoing the imagery found at the Bayon Temple. The South Gate remains a powerful reminder of the grandeur and spiritual significance of Angkor Thom.
• Phimeanakas Temple: Located within the Royal Palace enclosure, the Phimeanakas Temple was likely the site of royal religious ceremonies. According to legend, the king was required to spend one night a year in the temple with a naga, or serpent deity, to ensure the prosperity and stability of the kingdom. Although its original structure has largely disappeared, Phimeanakas remains an important symbol of the Khmer monarchy’s connection to the divine.

Conclusion

 

Angkor Thom is a historical city that offers a glimpse into the power and cultural achievements of the Khmer Empire at its height. Its geographical location near the Tonlé Sap and its role as a political, religious, and administrative center underscore its importance within the empire. While the architectural grandeur of its temples and monuments is a testament to the empire's artistic legacy, Angkor Thom's significance lies in its reflection of the Khmer Empire’s ability to harness both natural resources and spiritual authority to maintain its dominance over the region. As one of the most visited sites in Cambodia today, Angkor Thom continues to captivate visitors with its rich history and breathtaking landscapes.

 

about the place, Angkor:

Angkor, located in the Siem Reap province of Cambodia, was the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th century. This monumental site is famed for its magnificent temples, including Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious building originally dedicated to Vishnu. The site exemplifies the pinnacle of Khmer art in architecture, sculpture, and mural painting. Angkor reflects a highly stratified society and the significance of royal divine worship centered around the "Devaraja" or god-king. Abandoned in the 15th century, the city was rediscovered in the 19th century, unveiling a mesmerizing blend of nature and architecture, where vast trees intertwine their roots with temple stones.

 

Spoken comments in the film: 

Angkor Thom, which means The Great City of Angkor was founded by King Jayavarman VII after the destruction of the ancient Khmer capital by Cham armies in the 12th century. This royal city covers 9 square kilometers and is surrounded by ramparts 8 meters high. Four main gates allow entry into the city. 

On the bridge crossing the moat of the South Gate, two rows of giants carry a naga, the sacred serpent of Hinduism. 

Above the gate, four heads of benevolent Buddhas watch over the entrance to the city.

 

The significance of the many smiling heads that adorn the Bayon Temple is not known with certainty. Some researchers suggest the hypothesis that it is the head of Brahma, creator of the universe and others think it is Buddha. When we know the proximity of Hinduism and Buddhism in the Khmer kingdom, it may well be that both hypotheses are valid. 

But beyond these giant heads, the temple of Bayon houses many bas-reliefs depicting historical scenes and everyday life.

 

Located within the walls of Angkor Thom, the Baphuon Temple is slightly older. Built around the middle of the 11th century, the Baphuon was a temple dedicated to Shiva. It is a temple-mountain, typical of Khmer architecture. A temple supposed to represent Mount Meru, celestial residence of the gods according to Hindu beliefs, partially taken over by Buddhists. 

This temple suffered greatly from the onslaught of time, and its restoration, which lasted nearly a century, is a real feat.

 

A walk on the north side of the temple reveals a surprising statue of a reclining Buddha almost 75 meters long, making it one of the tallest in the world. Surprising because this temple is dedicated to Shiva. It would seem that this huge Buddha was added around the 16th century, probably to help consolidate the temple which was beginning to show worrying cracks.

 

King Jayavarman VII had two terraces built as an extension of the royal palace so as to be able to dominate the square of Angkor Thom which extended in front of the palace. One of them bears the name of Terrace of the Leper King and the other Terrace of the Elephants. The terrace of the Leper King owes its name to a statue which is missing several fingers. Could this be a reference to Yasovarman 1st, king of the beginning of the 9th century, who would have been affected by the terrible disease?