Final answer:
Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia that encapsulates the grandeur of Khmer architecture, initially dedicated to Vishnu and later becoming a Buddhist site. The city of Angkor Thom, including the Bayon Temple, boasted a sophisticated layout with extensive infrastructure. Today, Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Cambodia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Plan of Angkor Wat
The Angkor Wat temple complex is a masterful representation of Khmer architecture and religious devotion, built between 1113 and 1150 under the kings of the Khmer Kingdom. This massive complex was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and later transformed into a Buddhist temple. Its design reflects Hindu cosmology, with a 65-meter-tall central tower symbolizing Mount Meru, surrounded by vast reservoirs and a moat, emulating the seven seas around the mountain, which is the abode of the gods in Hindu tradition. Inside Angkor Wat are exquisite bas-reliefs and statues telling stories of both the divine and the ordinary people.
The city of Angkor Thom, home to the Bayon Temple, served as the capital of the Khmer Empire. Built in the 13th century, it was a fortified city with an extensive grid of roads, temples, and squares, capable of housing around one million people. Its centerpiece, the Bayon Temple, rises like a mountain, with faces of gods carved into it, signifying the rich spiritual heritage of the Khmer Empire.
Today, Angkor Wat is a symbol of Cambodia, featured on national flags, money, and acting as a major tourist attraction. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the entire city once being the largest in the world. With the discovery of numerous additional temples and structures in the area, Angkor Wat is a testament to the advanced engineering and cultural prominence of the Khmer Empire.