BANTEY
CHHMAR
The site is about 23 km from
the provincial capital of Sisophon and 3 hours by road from Siem
Reap-Angkor.
A rarely visited temple deep in the Cambodian jungle near the
Thai border. it was one of the capitals of Jayavarman II It was
rebuilt by Jayavarman VII and dedicated to his son (who died
defending the Khmer empire against the Champa kingdom ) and four
generals who were killed in the battle repelling a Cham Invasion
in 1177.
Surrounding temples include Prasat Mebon, Prasat Taphrom, Prasat
Samnang Tasok, Prasat Banteay Toap and Prasat Ta Preav, But very
little is known about it
Built over nine square kilometers and surrounded by a moat, the
site echoes the architectural layout of the better-known Khmer
temple complexes of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. The site is renowned
for its beautifully rendered bas-reliefs, which depict the war
between the Khmer and Champa kingdoms and the accession of the
Khmer king. |
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