Angkor was the temple-filled capital city of the Khmer Empire during its zenith (802 - 1432 AD). The empire was ruled over by a Devaraja (god-king) with Hindu and Mahayana Buddhism the religions which bound ruler and subjects together. Over the centuries a myriad of palaces, citadels, temples and monasteries were built to honour the king and pay tribute to the gods.
Temple-building on such a massive scale ultimately overstretched the empire's natural and financial resources. Internecine rivalries and competing religious beliefs led to civil wars. Neighbouring Thai and Cham (Vietnamese) incursions eventually brought about the downfall of Angkor. Ravaged and abandoned by its populace, wooden houses decayed into oblivion and the jungle overtook the temples and citadels.
Terrace of the Leper King, Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom North Gate
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Head, Angkor Thom North Gate
Terrace of Elephants, Angkor Thom
Apsaras, Terrace of the Leper King
Terrace of the Leper King, Angkor Thom
Phimeanakas (celestial palace), Angkor Thom
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm
Preah Khan
Preah Khan (Jayatataka) Baray
Entrance to Baphuon Temple, Angkor Thom
Monks at Preah Neak Poan
Preah Khan (Jayatataka) Baray
Angkor Thom, gate to the Royal Enclosure
Taking a break at Bayon
One of many Avalokiteshvara faces at Bayon
Inside Bayon
Buddhist statue at Bayon
Asuras (demon gods)
Devas (guardian gods)
Bridge to Angkor Thom's south gate
Wedding photos at the temple of Preah Khan
Preah Khan (the Sacred Sword), eastern wall
Apsaras dance at Bayon
Monkey warrior fights Khmer warrior at Baphuon temple
Apsara carving at Ta Prohm Buddhist temple
Ta Prohm temple
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm
Banteay Kdei
Hallway, Banteay Kdei
Banteay Kdei Temple
Buddhist Shrine at Banteay Kdei
Window, Baphuon
False door, Eastern Mebon
Angkor Wat (City Temple), viewed from the southern reflection pool
Lions (possibly Garuda) guard the terrace entrance to Angkor Wat
Corridor with Apsaras at Angkor Wat
Apsara (heavenly nymph) at Angkor Wat
Sunset at Angkor Wat's moat
Sunrise at Angkor Wat
