Description • The largest of the temples from the ancient city of Angkor Thom, this Hindu temple sits on a square site larger than a square kilometer. Surrounded by a 200-meter moat, the temple has a concentric layout with walls and towers focusing on the central spire. This plan is derived from the mandala representing all creation.
• Many other temples of similar design are located in the area. At its peak, Angkor Thom rivalled Rome in size. Religion and government were one in the Khmer empire, and Angkor Wat was both center of politics and spirituality.
• In the 15th century the city was abandoned as prolonged warfare had made it impossible to maintain the numerous canals that serviced the area to support the large population. Some monks stayed behind and remained the place's only inhabitants until the recent reopening of Cambodia to tourism.
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