Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is probably the finest architectural monument in Cambodia. It covers nearly 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometers) and has a pyramidal form, which imitates the mythological home of the Hindu gods. Angkor Wat was constructed in the 1100's to honor the Hindu god Vishnu. Carved scenes of Cambodian life and Buddhist or Hindu mythology decorate the walls of the temples. It was also used as an astronomical observatory. Angkor Wat later became the tomb of the Cambodian king who had ordered its construction.

Excerpt adapted from the "Angkor" article, The World Book Encyclopedia, © 1999