About
Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is the world's largest religious monument — a 12th-century Hindu temple complex (later converted to Buddhism) spanning 162.6 hectares. Built by Khmer Emperor Suryavarman II (1113–1150 CE), it is oriented west (toward sunset and death) unlike most Khmer temples, possibly indicating it was built as a tomb as well as a temple.
The Khmer Empire at its peak (9th–15th centuries) controlled much of Southeast Asia with Angkor as its capital — possibly the largest pre-industrial city in history, with a population of 750,000–1 million. The city required a sophisticated hydraulic system of canals, reservoirs, and moats. Its sudden decline (c. 1431) remains partly mysterious — climate change (drought), war, and plague all played roles.
# Top 10 Angkor Wat Full facts
- 1Angkor Wat covers 162 hectares — the world's largest religious monument, bigger than Vatican City
- 2At its peak, Angkor may have been the world's largest city with up to 1 million residents — larger than contemporary Paris or London
- 3The temple's bas-reliefs extend for 800 meters — the world's longest continuous historical narrative in stone
Fascinating Facts
- ◆Angkor Wat covers 162 hectares — the world's largest religious monument, bigger than Vatican City
- ◆At its peak, Angkor may have been the world's largest city with up to 1 million residents — larger than contemporary Paris or London
- ◆The temple's bas-reliefs extend for 800 meters — the world's longest continuous historical narrative in stone
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