Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. In Angkor Wat, it contains the remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The design of Angkor Wat is heavily dependent on the influence of Khmer art. Khmer architecture evolved largely from that of the Indian subcontinent. It soon developed its own special characteristics, acquiring from neighbouring cultural traditions and some grew independently.
Jayavaram II was the one who laid the foundations of the Khmer Empire, and was also the major power in South-East Asia for about five centuries. He unite two states that were covered by the territory of modern Cambodia at the beginning of the 9th century. One of the two sites was in central Cambodia, and half a century later, Jayavarman's son, Yashovarman was to establish Yashodapura (later called Angkor) to become the permanent capital of the Khmer Empire until the 15th century.
The first city conformed with the classic form of Khmer capital with certain fundamental elements which has a defensive bank and ditch, with a state temple at its centre, built from brick or stone and a wooden palace. The state temple at Rolous, the Bakong and the temple was built in memory of the royal ancestors, Preah Ko. But they were erected around 880. A decade later, an essential feature of the Khmer capital - a large reservoir - was added with in its centre a third temple built to the north-west of Roluos. It is now known as Eastern Baray.
The second capital at Angkor was built by Rajendravarman in the 960s, the state temple being situated at Pre Rup. On an artificial island in the centre of the Eastern Baray, he constructed a temple called the Eastern Mebon. Jayavaram V, Rajendravaram's son, adandoned the Pre Rup site as he is in favour of the new site with its state temple at Ta Kev. Soon, he was overthrown by Suryavaram I, who was responsible for erecting the formidable fortifications around the Royal Palace and state temple. He was also responsible for erecting the Phimeanakas, and the construction of the great Western Baray.
In 1050, his successor created a new state temple, the Baphuon. The other rulers did not build anymore monumental buildings, not until Suryavarman II in 1113. He was the one who constructed Angkor Vat, the greatest of all Khmer monuments. In 1150, the death of Suryavarman II was followed by a period of internal strife and external pressure. This resulted in culminating in 1177 with the sack of Angkor by the Chams. Jayavarman VII restored the situation. He celebrated his military success by creating another capital at Angkor Thorn. His state building was the towering Bayon, which is dedicated to Buddha.
One significant element of the Angkor complex is the irrigation system of the region. This eventually led to providing the economic infrastructure for the successive Khmer capitals and their rulers.
Today, the Angkor Wat is one of the most visited archaeological and artistic site on the planet.
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