This morning (Feb 24) Julie and I visited Angkor Thom, a city and associated temples covering about 4 square miles. Angkor Thom had an estimated population exceeding 100,000 in the 12th century. The city is square, and appears to have a wall completely surrounding it. Located across the city footprint, many of the temples remain mostly covered with forest.
South Gate
Our bus dropped us outside the city, and we entered on foot through the South Gate, crossing the bridge over the moat. Imposing stones figures line both sides of the bridge. Each face represents a spirit, defending the approaches to the city. The figures continue right up the entry gate. They let us in without incident.
The gate itself is a narrow opening, only wide enough for a single lane of motorcycles, small cars or mini-busses. Pedestrian traffic shares the road, informally passing through the gate when vehicle traffic pauses.
The South Gate, dominated by another imposing figure, guards entry into the city. This one is a large face carved in stone and set atop the entryway.
Moats and Water
It is worth mentioning that this moat we crossed, is a fraction of the width of the Angkor Wat moat. Our guide pointed out that research suggests the moat is part of a hydraulic system that drew fresh water in from the northeast corner of the city, cycled it through the city for use, and eventually discharged it into the moat to the south. After exploring the South Gate area we reboarded the bus and headed to the central temple, Bayon.
The front of the Bayon Temple is covered with an extensive bas-relief carving that tells the story of the city. The carved stone stretches for several hundred feet, interrupted only by the entry doors.
The Library
One of the internal building we looked at in the temple is the “library”, which we found to have a curious design. The stairs leading to the entrance are steep, possibly 60°, and the stairs stretch 20′-30’ feet up the outside of the building. I can’t imagine they had a great deal of visitors.
We spent close to an hour exploring inside and outside this temple, then it was time to move on. Passing the Terrace of the Leper King first, we saw multiple temples, some restored and many more just waiting their turn. Our next destination is the ‘Tomb Raiders Temple‘, Ta Prohm.
That’ll be the next blog.