Archaeologists Unearth 12 Ancient Door Guardian Statues at Angkor Thom
Discovery Highlights Khmer Empire’s Artistic Heritage and Architectural Grandeur
During a recent excavation at the iconic Royal Palace of Angkor Thom in Cambodia, a team of archaeologists made a significant discovery of twelve sandstone “door guardian” statues. Managed by Cambodia’s APSARA National Authority, the Angkor Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical and cultural significance. Chhay Phanny, spokesperson for APSARA, stated that the statues exemplify the Khneang Style, consistent with the construction period of the 11th-century palace. These 900-year-old statues, some measuring up to 43 inches, feature unique facial hair ornaments and intricate designs, with several holding staffs in their hands. While some statues are well-preserved, others show signs of cracking and ruin, suggesting varying states of preservation over the centuries.
Angkor Thom, once one of the largest cities in the pre-modern world and the last capital of the Khmer Empire, continues to reveal its rich history through ongoing archaeological efforts. The Khmer Empire, which thrived from around 802 to 1431 C.E., controlled large parts of Southeast Asia, including modern-day Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and southern Vietnam. Recent discoveries, such as these door guardian statues, provide deeper insights into the architectural and artistic achievements of the Khmer civilization. In August, another sandstone door guardian was found at Banteay Prei Temple within the same archaeological park, further emphasizing the site’s enduring historical importance.
The discovery of these statues comes amid Cambodia’s efforts to reclaim and preserve its cultural heritage, especially following the repatriation of artifacts looted during the tumultuous 1970s under the Khmer Rouge regime. However, the country has faced challenges, including the controversial relocation of over 10,000 families from the Angkor Archaeological Park in 2022, drawing international scrutiny. Despite these obstacles, Cambodia remains committed to uncovering and protecting its invaluable historical treasures, ensuring that sites like Angkor Thom continue to educate and inspire future generations about the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.
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Angkor Thom, once one of the largest cities in the pre-modern world and the last capital of the Khmer Empire, continues to reveal its rich history through ongoing archaeological efforts. The Khmer Empire, which thrived from around 802 to 1431 C.E., controlled large parts of Southeast Asia, including modern-day Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and southern Vietnam. Recent discoveries, such as these door guardian statues, provide deeper insights into the architectural and artistic achievements of the Khmer civilization. In August, another sandstone door guardian was found at Banteay Prei Temple within the same archaeological park, further emphasizing the site’s enduring historical importance.
The discovery of these statues comes amid Cambodia’s efforts to reclaim and preserve its cultural heritage, especially following the repatriation of artifacts looted during the tumultuous 1970s under the Khmer Rouge regime. However, the country has faced challenges, including the controversial relocation of over 10,000 families from the Angkor Archaeological Park in 2022, drawing international scrutiny. Despite these obstacles, Cambodia remains committed to uncovering and protecting its invaluable historical treasures, ensuring that sites like Angkor Thom continue to educate and inspire future generations about the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.
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