📷 Detlef Garbrecht · Public domain

Where in the world

Cambodia

Preah Vihear Temple

Khmer · Cambodia

Field notes

civilizations: Khmer
types: Temple
built: 893 CE
occupied: 893 CE — 1,150 CE
country: Cambodia

The site

Preah Vihear is an ancient temple built by the Khmer Empire as a Hindu sanctuary atop a 525-metre cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains of Cambodia, later becoming a Buddhist temple. Unusually, it is laid out along a long north–south axis rather than the conventional east-facing plan, and successive kings modified it, leaving a blend of architectural styles. Long disputed between Cambodia and Thailand, its Cambodian ownership was affirmed by the International Court of Justice.

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