Baphuon

The colossal Baphuon temple was most likely also begun under Suryavarman's reign, to then be completed by his successor, Udayadityavarman. The Baphuon is notable as Angkor Thom's largest "mountain-temple."

There is then a sandstone causeway - about 200 metres long - formed as a sort of bridge with long paving stones laid on three lines of short columns, followed - perhaps as a result of some miscalculation - by a 5.5 metre wide dike, formed as an embankment between two lateral walls.

Another of this temple's remarkable characteristics is its sculptural decor: framed scenes of daily life or myth, touching in their small detail and naivety.

Abandoned as a capital city, Angkor saw its population numbers plunge, its infrastructures fall into ruin.

The forest was to overcome a good part of the city. Yet in those places still inhabited, architectural modifications for the Buddhist cult could take on spectacular dimensions.

Abandoned as a capital city, Angkor saw its population numbers plunge, its infrastructures fall into ruin. The forest was to overcome a good part of the city. Yet in those places still inhabited, architectural modifications for the Buddhist cult could take on spectacular dimensions.

Baphuon overview with walkway and temple mountain
Walkway and temple mountain

Baphuon temple mountain from bottom of stairs
Temple mountain

Baphuon relief
Relief

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