Cambodia

The gigantic Banteay Chhmar temple, its surrounding sanctuaries, and its immense 128-hectare water reservoir, called "baray" in Khmer, is one of the most important yet lesser-known archaeological sites from the Angkorian period in Cambodia. Located in the Banteay Meanchey province, in the northwest of Cambodia, it lies about 20 kilometers from the Thai border and 100 kilometers north of Battambang.

War Memories

This complex, the largest temple-city in Cambodia's history, was built at the end of the 12th century when the Khmer Empire was under the reign of King Jayavarman VII. One of the sanctuaries at Banteay Chhmar honors the heir to the throne, his son, who died before him. The temple gates commemorate and provide context for the failed invasion of Champa by King Yasovarman I, 300 years earlier at the end of the 9th century. Another sanctuary honors a Khmer prince heir, Srindrakumara, and four officers who died in battle while attempting to defend King Yasovarman II. Four statues representing them are displayed in the temple’s central hall. Bas-reliefs also depict the exploits of this young prince. Numerous representations of Buddha can be found at Banteay Chhmar, and very few have been destroyed.

An Architecture to restore

In addition to the main temple, the complex also contains an island temple in the middle of the now-dried-up reservoir. This type of temple is called "Mebon" in Cambodia. Eight annex temples are present on the site, and dozens of bas-reliefs, very similar to those of the Bayon, recount the history of the Angkorian period in Cambodia, including daily life and wars. Upon arrival in the morning, start by visiting the bas-reliefs on the eastern enclosure wall, then proceed to the temples. The western enclosure wall is only illuminated after noon. Unfortunately, many of these sections have collapsed, and the site is partially destroyed. The restorations of this temple-city have not been sufficient throughout the 20th century, but they began in 2007. This brings hope, as many stones and artifacts still lie on the ground, and it is believed that it would be relatively easy to rebuild these sections using appropriate methods. Such efforts would help reveal new historical and mythological scenes to the public and researchers, providing a better understanding of Khmer civilization.