Banteay Prey Nokor, Archaeological site in Kampong Cham, Cambodia.
Banteay Prey Nokor is a 12th-century temple complex in Kampong Cham built with rectangular laterite walls enclosing about 15 hectares of land. The innermost section contains a central pavilion featuring carved inscriptions on its surfaces.
The temple complex was built in the late 12th century under Jayavarman VII as a strategic center for extending the kingdom's reach into neighboring lands. It demonstrates the power and ambition of the Khmer realm during this period of growth.
The central tower displays Buddhist scenes carved into its pediments, showing the religious beliefs and artistic skills of the Khmer people. These carvings reveal how deeply faith was woven into everyday craftsmanship.
The site is open for visitors to explore, with early morning being the best time to visit when light is favorable and temperatures are cooler. Wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven in places and shade is limited throughout the complex.
The site stands out among other Khmer temples for its use of black sandstone, a rare choice for temple construction in this region. This uncommon material gives the complex a distinctly different visual presence compared to nearby temples.
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