Overview

• Early 11th Century
• Religion: Hindu
• Patron: Suryavarman II
• Style: Angkor Wat (debated)

Purpose

No Data

Significance

Beng Mealea is one of the largest Khmer temple complexes. It was built at the crossroads of several major ancient roads, which connected Angkor to the more remote temples of the empire

History

Beng Mealea has not been precisely dated, but stylistically it is similar to Angkor Wat, and was probably constructed around the same time. The stone for the temple was quarried from a riverbed very close to the site at Oh Thma Dap.

Description

Due to considerable collapse, it is difficult to recognize the layout of Beng Mealea today. The complex is of considerable size, and surrounded by a moat 45 meters wide. The temple itself is made up of three concentric galleries, enclosing the inner sanctuary, which today is completely collapsed.