Cambodia - The Archeological complex of Banteay Chhmar

Banteay Chhmar Temple was an ancient site in the Angkorian period (802-1432). It is located in Banteay Chhmar commune, Thma Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province, about 65-km north of Sisophon city, via Road Number 56. The site face the Dangrek Mountain chain at the north, and it is surrounded by four villages, namely Banteay Chhmar west, Bnateay Chhmar north, Banteay Chhmar south and Chrey, about 110-km from the Angkor World Heritage Site in Siem Reap province. It was situated strategically along the network of royal roads leading to the furthest northwest reaches of the territory controlled by Jayavarman VII (reigned c.1122-1218) during the Angkorian Empire. Recent surveys show that the site was continuously occupied from pre-historical times until now. The temple was situated at the heart of a new city located on a dry plain, requiring an elaborate hydrological system to bring water from the Dangrek Mountains to the north. To the east of the temple complex of Banteay Chhmar a rahal, or reservoir measuring 1.6 x 0.8 km was built, with a mebon, or artificial island at its centre. On the hill of this island today stands a crumbling sanctuary, surrounded by rice growing in the baray.