Temples of Angkor - Cambodia - page 272

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
PROFESSOR ANG CHOULEANM, ARCHEA0LOGY EXPERT

What is the most important Khmer temple? Angkor Thom is the most striking and challenging for
archaeologists, since it was a living city, humans and gods cohabiting there.
What is the most important archaeological site in Cambodia? Sambor Prei Kuk is among the most
important for its homogeneity, given the period and its artistic style.
Who is the most important king in Cambodian history? Suryavarman I, who had a real political
vision that can be measured by the monuments he built, such as Preah Vihear and Wat Phu.
What is your position on the debate between romance and restoration at Ta Prohm? It is a matter
of balance. The trees are most impressive, but maintaining the monument is our duty.
Which other civilisation interests you greatly? Japanese civilisation, as it is so different from Kh-
mer civilisation, allowing me to better understand mine.
Professor Ang Choulean is one of Cambodia's leading experts on anthropology and archaeology and
a renowned scholar on Cambodian history. He was awarded the 2011 Grand Fukuoka Prize for his
outstanding contribution to Asian culture.

Sights

Angkor Wat's bas-reliefs may grab the headlines, but Bayon's are even more extensive,
decorated with 1.2km of extraordinary carvings depicting more than 11,000 figures. The
famous carvings on the outer wall of the first level show vivid scenes of everyday life in
12th-century Cambodia. The bas-reliefs on the second level do not have the epic propor-
tions of those on the first level and tend to be fragmented. The reliefs described are those
on the first level. The sequence assumes that you enter Bayon from the east and view the
reliefs in a clockwise direction.

Chams on the Run
Just south of the east gate is a three-level panorama. On the first tier, Khmer soldiers
march off to battle - check out the elephants and the oxcarts, which are almost exactly
like those still used in Cambodia today. The second tier depicts coffins being carried back
from the battlefield. In the centre of the third tier, Jayavarman VII, shaded by parasols, is
shown on horseback followed by legions of concubines (to the left).

BAS-RELIEF

BAS-RELIEF

Linga Worship
The first panel north of the southeastern corner shows Hindus praying to a linga (phallic
symbol). This image was probably originally a Buddha, later modified by a Hindu king.