In Our Time Angkor Wat
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Jul 21, 2022 Piphal Heng, a postdoctoral scholar specializing in early modern Southeast Asia, shares insights into Angkor Wat's historical context. Ashley Thompson, an expert in Southeast Asian art, highlights the temple's intricate carvings and its evolution from a Hindu to a Buddhist site. Simon Warrack, a stone conservator, offers a unique glimpse into the engineering feats and preservation challenges faced over centuries. They explore Angkor Wat’s significance as a center of religion and culture, revealing its lasting impact on Cambodian identity.
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Suryavarman II's Origins and Rise
- Suryavarman II, meaning "protected by the sun," hailed from a Khmer royal line in modern-day Thailand.
- He expanded Angkorian power through military campaigns after allegedly killing his uncle.
Temple Building and Royal Power
- Suryavarman II, like other Khmer kings, built temples, especially mountain temples, to display his political power.
- Angkor Wat, his most magnificent temple, reflects this.
Approaching and Entering Angkor Wat
- Approaching Angkor Wat involves crossing a wide moat and entering a dark West Gate.
- Inside, the temple opens into a vast space with intricate carvings, reliefs, and depictions of deities.