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BACKGROUND
Banteay Samre is one of the most complete complexes at Angkor due to restoration
using the method of anastylosis. Unfortunately, the absence of maintenance over
the past 20 years is evident. The name Samre refers to an ethnic group of
mountain people, who inhabited the regions at the base of Phnom Kulen and were
probably related to the Khmers. No inscription has been found for this temple,
but the style of most of the architecture is of the classic art of the middle
period similar to Angkor Wat. The monument most likely dates from the same
period, or, perhaps, slightly later, although there are additions attributed to
the Bayon style. The proportions of Banteay Samre are plended. A unique feature
is an interior moat with laterite paving, which when filled with water must have
given an ethereal atmosphere to the temple. All of the buildings around the moat
are on a raised base with horizontal mouldings, decoreated in some areas with
figures framed by lotus buds. |
