Sambor Prei Kuk (Isanapura) សំបូរព្រៃគុហ៍ is an archaeological site in Cambodia located in Kampong Thom Province, 176 km (109 mi) east of Angkor and 206 km (128 mi) north of Phnom Penh.
The now ruined complex dates back to the Pre-Angkorian Chenla…
Sambor Prei Kuk (Isanapura) សំបូរព្រៃគុហ៍ is an archaeological site in Cambodia located in Kampong Thom Province, 176 km (109 mi) east of Angkor and 206 km (128 mi) north of Phnom Penh.
The now ruined complex dates back to the Pre-Angkorian Chenla Kingdom (late 6th to 9th century), established by king Isanavarman I as central royal sanctuary and capital, known then as "Isanapura" ឦសានបុរ
In 2017, Sambor Prei Kuk was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located on the Eastern bank of the Tonle Sap lake, close to the Steung Saen River, the central part of Sambor Prei Kuk is divided into three main groups.
Each group has a square layout surrounded by a brick wall. The structures of the overall archaeological area were constructed at variable times: the southern and north groups (7th century) by Isanavarman I, who is considered a possible founder of the city and the central group.
The buildings of Sambor Prei Kuk are characteristic of the Pre-Angkorean period with a simple external plan. The principal material is brick, but sandstone is also used for certain structures.
Isanavarman I reigned over the Chenla Kingdom between 616 and 637 AD, taking Isanabura as his capital and it is argued that he built the main temple Prasat Sambor (Group N), as there is an inscription on the site attributed to his reign and dated 13 September 627 AD.
The last important king in Isanapura was Jayavarman I, whose death caused turmoil to the kingdom at the start of the 8th century, breaking it in many principalities and opening the way to a new time: Angkor. This site is also claimed as an early capital of Jayavarman II.
The site is currently seeing a lot of much needed restoration. The site is a must visit for history lovers and anyone wanting to see construction styles before Angkor.
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