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Capital

Phnom Penh - The capital city of Cambodia.

Ancient Name

Kambuja - The historical name for Cambodia.

Khmers

90% of the population - The predominant ethnic group in Cambodia.

Natural Resources

Brick, Stucco, Wood, Sandstone, Laterite - Key materials used in Cambodian architecture.

Sandstone

Construction material for temples - A primary material used in temple construction.

Laterite

Red-hued material for walls and platforms - Used for enclosure walls and platforms in architecture.

Corbelling

Structural technique - A method providing the only form of "vaulting" in Khmer architecture.

Bas-Relief Friezes

Decorative inner walls - Depictions from Hindu epics on the inner walls of outer galleries.

Blind Door and Window

Fake architectural features - Used to maintain symmetry in temple design.

Colonnette

Narrow decorative columns - A feature in Khmer architecture.

Central Sanctuary

Home to the temple's primary deity - The main sacred area within a temple.

Prang

Tall spire - A richly carved architectural feature of Khmer temples.

Gopura

Entrance or gateway - A cross-shaped and elongated architectural feature.

Hall of Dancers

Rectangular building - Divided into courtyards, elongated along the temple's east axis.

House of Fire (Dharmsala)

Thick-walled structure - Features a tower and south-facing windows.

Library

Common feature of Khmer temples - A typical structure found in Khmer temple complexes.

Srah and Baray

Reservoirs - Water storage features in Khmer architecture.

Temple Mountains

Representation of Mt. Meru - Symbolic of the home of gods in Hindu mythology.

Khmer Architecture

Temple complexes with four towers - Characterized by a central dominant tower and surrounding moat.

Naga

Divine reptilian beings - Mythical creatures in Khmer mythology.

Bayon

Temple of King Jayavarman VII - Known for its massive stone faces and chaotic style.

Preah Khan

"Holy Sword" - Named in honor of Jayavarman VII's victory against the Chams.

Tah Prohm

"Tomb Raider Temple" - A flat temple known for its overgrown appearance.

Pnom Bakheng

Architectural centerpiece of Yasodharapura - A pyramid of six tiers representing Mt. Meru.

Prasat Thom

Highest temple tower - Rises 36 meters, not a stylized representation of Mt. Meru.

Phimeanakas

Associated with Naga - A temple linked to divine reptilian beings.

Elephant Terrace

Ceremonial area - Features carved elephants and figures, facing the Royal Square.

Bapuon

Massive mountain-temple - A significant architectural structure in Khmer history.

Angkor Wat

"Temple City" - The largest religious monument in the world, dedicated to Vishnu.

Angkor Wat Plan

Sanctuary built on three levels - The first level consists of an open gallery.