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Introduction
To the Khmer people, Angkor Wat is more than just
an ancient pile of stones, it is more than just
the remains of a highly advanced kingdom, it is
more than just a tourist attraction - to the Khmer
it is a symbol of hope.
For over five hundred years, from the coronation
of Jayavarman II in 802 AD, the Khmer Kingdom
was the most significant influence upon Southeast
Asian development, expanding exponentially at
the expense of rival neighbours - Cham, Viet,
Burmese and Siamese. The first royal city of Angkor
was built by Jayavarman's 10th-century successor,
Yasovarman I, and this saw the beginning of the
empire's golden age. It was not until the early
twelfth century, and the rule of Suryavarman II
that the empire was to reach its peak, and the
construction of the magnificent 65-metre tall
towers of Angkor Wat was to take place.
After being driven out by the Cham in 1177, the
Khmer returned to their city with a new king -
Jayavarman VII - a new religion - Mahayana Buddhism
- and even higher aspirations for the development
of Angkor. The Cham were routed, and Jayavarman
VII began construction of the 9-square kilometre
Angkor Thom and the 216 faces of the Bayon temple
By the end of its predominance in the region,
the Khmer empire had constructed over 70 huge
temple complexes at Angkor, spread across 200
square km. Why exactly the empire fell into its
200-year decline is still somewhat of a mystery,
however the cataclysm that was to end it all came
in 1431 when Siamese invaders ripped Angkor apart,
killing and enslaving much of the population,
and stripping the city of its wealth. The Khmer
empire was never to recover, remaining a vassal
state of one or other overloard for over five
hundred years.
Today, the national flag of Cambodia carries a
symbol representing the five giant towers of Angkor
Wat. It is a symbol of the Khmer's independence,
reminding them of what can be achieved. It is
a symbol of hope. |
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