Abandoned temples in the Cambodian jungle date back over a thousand years. These temples are part of a large network of structures spread across Cambodia. They were commissioned by the kings of the Khmer Empire more than a millennium ago. The Khmer Empire ruled Southeast Asia from the 800s to the 1400s. Many of the temples were constructed in the style of temple-mountains, representing Mount Meru, the divine abode in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
During the latter half of the empire, there was a significant shift from Hinduism to Buddhism, resulting in some temples incorporating symbolism from both religions. One intriguing aspect of these temples is that historians are uncertain about the reasons behind their abandonment. Angkor Wat (pic 4), the most famous temple-mountain in Cambodia, offers an example. Built in the 1100s, it was continuously used until the 1400s when it was largely abandoned.
The exact cause for the desertion of the temple and the surrounding city remains unknown to historians and scientists. Some theories suggest environmental changes affecting the water supply, while others propose the cultural shift from Hinduism to Buddhism as a contributing factor. Modern-day archaeological techniques have begun unveiling the secrets of these temples, revealing intricate networks of temples and boulevards, as well as sophisticated engineering.
