Angkor, Cambodia

The temple complex of Angkor in Cambodia is an architectural masterpiece. It was built in the jungle at the beginning of the XII century, then, two centuries later, by some mysterious circumstances was abandoned by the Khmers (previously it was their the capital).


Cambodia - The Angkor temple complex

Soon the jungle swallowed Angkor, concealing it for several centuries under the dense thickets of the rainforest. The only thing that could not hide the forest, was stony ledge built which was accidentally discovered in 1861 by the French naturalist. Soon archaeologists have revealed the world a magnificent Angkor. Today, visitors are stunned by the architectural decoration and excellent stone carving. Most striking to note exquisite female figures ("apsaras"), located around Angkor.

The temple complex of Angkor is the only facility built man in the past and that the size is equal to the square of Paris. This whole "town" is called Angkor. The main building of the temple complex:

Phnom - looking at it one can tell what a destructive force have jungle. The roots of a banyan tree entangle him like a giant octopus. Banteay Srey - is a tiny "diamond" of Angkor. Sculptures of Banteay are delicious. Angkor Tom - occupies a vast territory and should be much larger than its neighbor, the temple complex of Angkor. But its construction is not as well preserved. This place is more interesting to archaeologists than for the tourists.