The history of Angkor Wat is closely tied to the rise and fall of the Khmer Empire, and it spans several centuries. Here is an overview of the history of Angkor Wat:
1. Khmer Empire:
9th to 15th centuries: The Khmer Empire, centered in what is now Cambodia, was a powerful Hindu-Buddhist empire that flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The empire's capital was at Angkor, a vast city with numerous temples and monuments.
2. Construction of Angkor Wat (1113-1150):
Early 12th century: Angkor Wat was built during the reign of King Suryavarman II (1113–1150). The king dedicated the temple to the Hindu god Vishnu and intended it to serve as his state temple. The temple's design is thought to represent Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
3. Hindu Period:
12th to 13th centuries: Angkor Wat was initially dedicated to Hindu deities, and its intricate carvings and bas-reliefs depicted scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
4. Transition to Buddhism:
Late 13th century: The Khmer Empire underwent a period of transition from Hinduism to Buddhism. During this time, Angkor Wat gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple. Many Hindu images were replaced or adapted with Buddhist iconography.
5. Decline and Abandonment:
Late 14th to 15th centuries: The Khmer Empire faced internal strife, external invasions, and environmental challenges, such as changes in water management. The capital, Angkor, was eventually abandoned, and the population dispersed. Angkor Wat, like other temples in the region, fell into a state of neglect and was reclaimed by the jungle.
6. Rediscovery by Henri Mouhot (19th century):
1860s: Angkor Wat gained international attention when French explorer Henri Mouhot "rediscovered" the temple complex during his travels in the region. His accounts and illustrations brought Angkor Wat to the Western world's attention.
7. Colonial and Modern Era:
20th century: Angkor Wat became a symbol of Cambodia and its cultural heritage. Conservation and restoration efforts were initiated to preserve the site, and it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
8. Tourism and Conservation:
Late 20th century to present: Angkor Wat has become a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. Conservation projects and international collaboration aim to protect the site from environmental and human-related threats, balancing the preservation of its historical integrity with sustainable tourism.
Angkor Wat stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the Khmer Empire, reflecting the empire's religious and cultural evolution over the centuries.
