Final answer:
Angkor Wat and the city of Angkor Thom were built during the Khmer Empire, which lasted from 802 to 1431 CE. Originally serving as Hindu structures, they incorporated elements of Buddhism over time and are considered masterpieces of Khmer architecture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The temple complex of Angkor Wat, and the city of Angkor Thom, Cambodia were monumental constructions created during the reign of the Khmer Empire. These iconic structures were built by the kings of the Khmer Kingdom, which lasted from 802 CE to 1431 CE. Angkor Wat was originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu by King Suryavarman II between 1113 and 1150 CE. Later on, the temple saw additional influence from Buddhism due to the conversion efforts by King Jayavarman VII who ruled from 1181 to 1218 CE. Angkor Thom was another significant city established during the Khmer period, known for its Bayon Temple built in the 13th century. Both Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom exemplify the sophisticated architecture and religious significance of the Khmer Empire.
The Khmer were master builders, creating a vast network of temples, reservoirs, canals, and roadways. The sheer scale of the city and the intricate design of its temples are a testament to their advanced engineering and architectural skills. Their constructions, especially Angkor Wat, reflect the Hindu cosmology, with temples resembling Mount Meru, the home of the gods, and were filled with stunning bas-reliefs and sculptures depicting various deities and scenes from Hindu mythology. Today, Angkor Wat is not only a profoundly important archaeological site but also a significant symbol of Cambodian heritage and a major tourist attraction, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.