Angkor

Today for Art Thursday, a look at Angkor, Cambodia. It's a temple complex -- the world's largest religious structure -- and was built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire.

More information from National Geographic:


Some good news (this is also from National Geographic):
When Angkor was named a World Heritage site in 1992 it was also added to the List of World Heritage in Danger; the incomparable site was threatened by pillaging, plagued by illegal excavations, and even dotted with land mines. In 1993 UNESCO launched a major campaign to restore and safeguard Angkor. Thanks to a textbook case of international cooperation Angkor rebounded so dramatically that it was removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2004.

Now to take a look:

Entering Angkor Thom
photo by Davidlohr Bueso

South Gate of Angkor Thom
photo by Baldiri

Angkor Wat, Upper level
Monks climbing the steps of the South West tower
photo by Steve Cornish

Angkor, Cambodia
photo by Vasenka

Angkor, Cambodia
photo by Yosomono

Ta Prohm Tentacles
photo by Steve Jurvetson

Devata (Banteay Srei, Angkor)
photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Guardians
photo by jar

A map of the Khmer Empire at its height in 1200 (shown in pink), from My Angkor Guide:

NASA image of Angkor Wat