Angkor: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Angkor is the ancient capital of the Khmer empire which thrived from the 9th century to 15th century CE. Its ruins are located near present day Siem Reap, Cambodia, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The area is made up of several significant archaeological sites, including:

The Bayon temple at Angkor.

• Angkor Thom
  • Bayon
  • Terrace of the Elephants
• Angkor Wat
• Baksei Chamkrong
• Banteay Kdei
• Banteay Samre
• Banteay Srei
• Baphuon
• Chau Say Tevoda
• Krol Ko
• Neak Pean
• Phimeanakas
• Phnom Bakheng
• Phnom Krom
• Preah Khan
• Preah Ko
• Preah Rup
• Spean Thma
• Ta Som
• Ta Keo
• Thommanon

Although most of the area was only recently reclaimed from the jungle, the temple of Angkor Wat has been maintained continuously by Buddhist monks for hundreds of years.

2001 saw the release of the movie Tomb Raider, filmed on location at various Angkor sites.

Thailand's claim over Angkor was the cause of riots in Phnom Penh in January 2003.

See also: Architecture of Cambodia, Cambodia, Khmer Empire.

Geography and Location

Aerial map