|
|
|
|
|
|
DV8 Bar - DV8 Guesthouse - DV8 Images - DV8 Location - DV8 Staff
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
......
...........
............
...............
Siem Reap |
|
Do you have something to say about Phnom Penh Bars, Nightlife or Restaurants? Write a review about Phnom Penh
|
|
Angkor - Cambodia Siem Reap and Angkor Wat are synonymous with the eighth wonder of the world. Siem Reap is Cambodia's second largest city and services over 1 million toursits a year. It is located 5.5 km south of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is one of many temples in a complex of temples that centerpinned what was once the largest city in the world. The initial design and construction of the Angkor Wat took place in the first half of the 12th century, during the reign of Suryavarman II (ruled 1113–c. 1150). Dedicated to Vishnu (a Hindu god), it was built as the king's state temple and capital city. It is located 5.5 km north of the modern town of Siem Reap, and a short distance south and slightly east of the previous capital, which was centred on the Baphuon. In 1177 Angkor was sacked by the Chams, the traditional enemies of the Khmer. Thereafter the empire was restored by a new king, Jayavarman VII, who established a new capital and state temple (Angkor Thom and the Bayon respectively) which lie a few kilometres to the north.
In the 14th or 15th century the temple was converted to Theravada Buddhist use, which continues to the present day. Angkor Wat is unusual among the Angkor temples in that it was never completely abandoned. Its moat also provided some protection from encroachment by the jungle. Around this time the temple was known as Preah Pisnulok, after the posthumous title of Suryavarman. The modern name, in use by the 16th century, means "City Temple". The temple was popularised in the west in the mid-19th century on the publication of Henri Mouhot's travel notes. The French explorer wrote of it:
The temple has become a symbol of Cambodia, and is a source of great pride for the country's people. A depiction of Angkor Wat has been a part of every Cambodian national flag since the introduction of the first version circa 1863—the only building to appear on any national flag. In January 2003 riots erupted in Phnom Penh when a false rumour circulated that a Thai soap opera actress had claimed that Angkor Wat belonged to Thailand. |
