Odyssey Guide Angkor

by Rooney, Dawn F.

• ISBN13: 9789622176836
• ISBN10: 9622176836
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-10-01
• Publisher: Odyssey Books & Maps

Summary

The great legacy of the ancient Khmer civilization, the temples of Angkor, cover an area of 77 square miles in central Cambodia. These monuments, built between the ninth and 15th centuries -- the classic period of Khmer art -- are unrivaled in architectural greatness. They are, undoubtedly, one of the wonders of the world, astounding in their splendor and evoking a real sense of awe.

The book is divided into three sections. The first contains background information on Khmer history, religious beliefs and legends depicted on the bas-reliefs, as well as descriptions of the decorations and architectural features. The second part is a detailed, monument-by-monument guide to the sites, including detailed maps and plans, while the third has all the practical information needed by the visitor, for staying and getting around in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Author Biography

American-born, Dawn Rooney has spent many years researching art history in Southeast Asia. Awarded a PhD in art history in 1983 she has written a number of books on the region's art and culture and contributed to Oriental Art and other journals Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and educated in computer science and east Asian studies, Peter Danford is a freelance photographer and multimedia developer based in Hong Kong

Table of Contents

Preface	5	(7)
PART I: BACKGROUND	12	(107)
Introduction	14	(3)
Geographical Setting	17	(3)
Topography	17	(1)
The Mekong River	18	(2)
Historical Background	20	(15)
Prehistoric Period	20	(1)
First Century to Eighth Century AD	20	(4)
Angkor Period --- Ninth Century to Fifteenth Century AD	24	(8)
Sixteenth Century to Ninteenth Century AD	32	(3)
A History of Restoration Efforts at Angkor	35	(19)
Ecole Francaise D'Extreme Orient	35	(7)
Civil War and After	42	(1)
The Arrival of the United Nations at Angkor	42	(1)
The Looting of Angkor	43	(1)
The Royal University of Fine Arts, Phnom Penh	44	(1)
The Revival of National and International Activities at Angkor	44	(5)
Daily Life During the Khmer Empire	49	(5)
Religion	54	(30)
Hindu Deities	59	(1)
Gods	60	(5)
Goddesses	65	(1)
Minor Divinities and Mythical Beings	66	(2)
Legends Depicted in Khmer Art	68	(1)
The Ramayana	68	(6)
The Buddha	74	(10)
Khmer Art and Architecture of the Angkor Period	84	(35)
Introduction	84	(5)
Building Materials Used in the Monuments	89	(4)
Timber	89	(2)
Brick	91	(1)
Stucco	91	(1)
Sandstone	91	(1)
Laterite	92	(1)
Metal	92	(1)
Methods of Construction	93	(1)
Typical Architectural Features	94	(7)
Temple Mountain	95	(2)
Monastic Complex	97	(1)
Gopura	97	(2)
Causeway	99	(1)
Enclosure Wall	99	(1)
Sikhara or Tower	100	(1)
Pavilion or Shrine	100	(1)
Corbelled Vault	100	(1)
Typical Artistic Features	101	(6)
Statuary	101	(2)
Reliefs	103	(1)
Apsaras	104	(1)
Window Openings	104	(1)
Doorways	104	(1)
Lintels	105	(1)
Frontons or pediments	105	(2)
Stylistic Periods of Khmer Art and Architecture	107	(5)
Cosmology in Khmer Architecture	112	(3)
Preservation at Angkor	115	(1)
Conservation Projects	116	(3)
Part II: THE MONUMENTS	119	(148)
Temple Itinerary	121	(1)
Introduction	122	(3)
Group 1	125	(22)
Angkor Wat	125	(22)
Group 2	147	(33)
Angkor Thom	147	(5)
Royal Palace	152	(1)
Terrace of the Elephants	153	(1)
Terrace of the Leper King	154	(3)
Phimeanakas	157	(2)
Baphuon	159	(2)
Bayon	161	(19)
Group 3	180	(12)
Preah Khan	180	(6)
Neak Pean	186	(4)
Krol Ko	190	(1)
Ta Som	190	(2)
Group 4	192	(14)
Roluos	192	(4)
Preah Ko	196	(4)
Bakong	200	(5)
Lolei	205	(1)
Group 5	206	(13)
Prasat Kravan	206	(1)
Srah Srang	207	(1)
Banteay Kdei	208	(3)
Preah Rup	211	(3)
East Mebon	214	(5)
Group 6	219	(21)
Ta Prohm	219	(5)
Ta Keo	224	(3)
Chapel of the Hospital	227	(1)
Spean Thma	227	(2)
Chau Say Tevoda	229	(1)
Thommanon	230	(2)
Baksei Chamkrong	232	(2)
Phnom Bakheng	234	(6)
Group 7	240	(11)
Banteay Srei	240	(9)
Banteay Samre	249	(2)
Group 8	251	(2)
West Baray	251	(1)
West Mebon	252	(1)
Ak Yum	253	(1)
Group 9	253	(3)
Tonle Sap	253	(2)
Phnom Krom	255	(1)
Group 10	256	(11)
Preah Pithu	256	(1)
The Kleangs	257	(3)
Prasat Suor Prat	260	(1)
Tep Pranam	261	(5)
Preah Palilay	266	(1)
PART III: PRACTICAL INFORMATION	267	(24)
General	268	(8)
Climate	268	(1)
Time	268	(1)
Clothing	268	(1)
Currency	268	(1)
Visas	269	(1)
Travel Agents	269	(3)
Travel to Cambodia	272	(1)
Travel within Cambodia	273	(1)
Domestic Flights	274	(1)
Vaccinations and Health	274	(1)
Security	274	(1)
Tipping	274	(1)
Customs	275	(1)
Communications	275	(1)
Electricity	275	(1)
Phnom Penh	276	(4)
Hotels	276	(1)
Restaurants	277	(1)
Banks	278	(1)
Transport	278	(1)
Useful Addresses	278	(1)
Tourist Highlights	279	(1)
Siem Reap	280	(11)
Hotels	280	(2)
Restaurants	282	(2)
Banks	284	(1)
Transport	284	(1)
Passes	284	(1)
Appendices
I Comparative Chronology of the Khmer and Other Civilisations	285	(3)
II Chronology of the Monuments	288	(1)
III Chronology of the Cambodian Kings	289	(2)
Further Reading	291	(2)
Footnotes	293	(5)
Glossary	298	(4)
Index	302