Definition: Angkor Wat is a temple complex and capital city of the Angkor (or Khmer) civilization in Cambodia, built between 1130 and 1150 AD by Suryavarman II (ruled 1113-1150 AD). The site is located between the valleys of the Stung Ruluos and Stung Puok, and, part of the construction of the site included excavation of a four meter long canal, the first piece of what was to become an extensive water control system.
The site consists of an enormous temple pyramid surrounded by a moat itself 655 feet wide. Attached to the site was the Eastern Baray reservoir on the Siep Reap River, with a capacity of sixty million cubic meters. Arguably the largest religious structure in the world, Angkor Wat is probably known best for its stunning sculpted murals on the interior walls of the palace and mortuary. Archaeological work at Angkor Wat has been completed by Charles Higham, Michael Vickery and Roland Fletcher.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
The site consists of an enormous temple pyramid surrounded by a moat itself 655 feet wide. Attached to the site was the Eastern Baray reservoir on the Siep Reap River, with a capacity of sixty million cubic meters. Arguably the largest religious structure in the world, Angkor Wat is probably known best for its stunning sculpted murals on the interior walls of the palace and mortuary. Archaeological work at Angkor Wat has been completed by Charles Higham, Michael Vickery and Roland Fletcher.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: Yasodharapura (the Holy City)
Common Misspellings: Ankgor Wat
