When archaeologists discovered twelve ancient statues buried beneath Cambodia’s fabled royal house, they struck gold at Angkor Thom.#Archaeology #History #News #Lifestyle
Recently, twelve sandstone door guardian statues that had been buried for centuries beneath the surface were discovered by a team of archaeologists in St. Paul, Minnesota. They discovered these ancient jewels while looking for fallen stones; each statue bears the weight of a history that dates back almost 900 years. The statues provide a unique window into the splendor of a vanished kingdom because of their elaborate detailing and symbolic patterns.
The APSARA National Authority of Cambodia, which is in charge of maintaining and overseeing the famous Angkor Archaeological Park, announced the find, which was made at the country’s Angkor Thom Royal Palace. These statues exhibit the unique artistry of the Khneang Style and are thought to have been created during the building of the palace in the eleventh century.
The Legacy of Angkor Thom
As the last capital of the powerful Khmer Empire, Angkor Thom was once a bustling metropolis and one of the biggest towns in its era. A large portion of Southeast Asia, including present-day Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and portions of Vietnam, was formerly ruled by this ancient Hindu-Buddhist monarchy.
The remains are now part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, one of Asia’s most significant historical sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The recently discovered statues, which range in size from 39 to 43 inches, were discovered 4.5 feet below the surface. While some have cracks or significant damage, others are still surprisingly intact. Against an ornately designed background, their features include carved figures holding staffs and distinctive facial hair accessories.
Recent Finds Continue to Unravel Secrets
Angkor Thom has produced breathtaking archaeological discoveries before.
Only a few months prior, archaeologists had discovered another statue of a door guardian at the nearby Buddhist temple in the park, Banteay Prei Temple.
The architectural and spiritual accomplishments of the Khmer civilization are still being illuminated by these discoveries.
Ongoing Efforts to Reclaim a Stolen History
Khmer antiques that were looted during the 1970s, a time of political unrest under the violent Khmer Rouge regime, have been sought back by Cambodia in recent years. Efforts to repatriate artifacts have accelerated after several were unlawfully removed and sold overseas.
Nonetheless, there is still debate regarding the Angkor Archaeological Park’s preservation initiatives. Over 10,000 local households were forcibly evacuated by the Cambodian government in 2022, which sparked outrage around the world. Although the goal of the cleanup is to preserve the historic property, some have criticized the techniques employed.
The Khmer Empire’s mysteries deepen with every new finding, exposing both its cultural accomplishments and the difficulties in maintaining one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world.
CONNECTED TOPICS: History, Lifestyle, and Cambodia
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