Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East
Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor
Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different
capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They
include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon
Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a
wide-ranging programme to safeguard this symbolic site and its
surroundings.
Brief synthesis
Angkor, in Cambodia’s northern province of Siem Reap, is one of the
most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. It extends over
approximately 400 square kilometres and consists of scores of temples,
hydraulic structures (basins, dykes, reservoirs, canals) as well as
communication routes. For several centuries Angkor, was the centre of
the Khmer Kingdom. With impressive monuments, several different ancient
urban plans and large water reservoirs, the site is a unique
concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilization.
Temples such as Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm,
exemplars of Khmer architecture, are closely linked to their
geographical context as well as being imbued with symbolic significance.
The architecture and layout of the successive capitals bear witness to a
high level of social order and ranking within the Khmer Empire. Angkor
is therefore a major site exemplifying cultural, religious and symbolic
values, as well as containing high architectural, archaeological and
artistic significance.
The park is inhabited, and many villages, some of whom the ancestors
are dating back to the Angkor period are scattered throughout the park.
The population practices agriculture and more specifically rice
cultivation.
Criterion (i): The Angkor complex represents the
entire range of Khmer art from the 9th to the 14th centuries, and
includes a number of indisputable artistic masterpieces (e.g. Angkor
Wat, the Bayon, Banteay Srei).
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