Terrace of the Leper King, Ancient ceremonial terrace in Angkor Thom, Cambodia
The Terrace of the Leper King is a rectangular sandstone platform with carved walls on two sides, displaying rows of mythological beings and royal court figures across seven horizontal levels. The structure showcases intricately chiseled scenes that tell stories through their arrangement along the entire length of the platform.
King Jayavarman VII built this terrace in the late 1100s as part of Angkor Thom, the capital of the Khmer Empire. The structure was integrated into the city layout to demonstrate royal power and spiritual importance during his reign.
The terrace takes its name from a statue once found here, which local people interpreted as showing a ruler with a disease. Visitors can still sense this story today when looking at the carved details and understanding how the site was named by those who lived nearby.
Entry requires an Angkor pass, and the site connects easily to the Terrace of Elephants through a northern pathway. Wear sturdy shoes and plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun.
Hidden passages between the double walls contain numerous well-preserved carvings of supernatural beings such as Garuda birds and Naga serpents. These concealed areas reveal craftsmanship and spiritual elements that remain invisible from the outside.
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