Cambodia: Preah Palilay, Angkor Thom, Angkor

Preah Palilay dates from the 13th or 14th century CE and is generally ascribed to Jayavarman VIII. It is a small Buddhist sanctuary within a 50m square laterite wall entered via a single gateway. The sanctuary, which is partially collapsed, rises to a tapering stone tower. A 33m long causeway leads to a terrace to the east of the sanctuary which is distinguished by fine naga balustrades. Angkor Thom is located one mile north of Angkor Wat. It was built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, and covers an area of 9 km², within which are located several monuments from earlier eras as well as those established by Jayavarman and his successors. At the centre of the city is Jayavarman's state temple, the Bayon, with the other major sites clustered around the Victory Square immediately to the north. Angkor Thom was established as the capital of Jayavarman VII's empire, and was the centre of his massive building programme. One inscription found in the city refers to Jayavarman as the groom and the city as his bride. Angkor Thom seems not to be the first Khmer capital on the site, however, as Yasodharapura, dating from three centuries earlier, was centred slightly further northwest. The last temple known to have been constructed in Angkor Thom was Mangalartha, which was dedicated in 1295. In the following centuries Angkor Thom remained the capital of a kingdom in decline until it was abandoned some time prior to 1609. It is believed to have sustained a population of 80,000-150,000 people.