The fortification of Angkor Wat

David Brotherson

doi:10.15184/aqy.2015.140

The fortification of Angkor Wat

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 December 2015

David Brotherson

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David Brotherson*: Affiliation:
Department of Archaeology, University of Sydney, Quadrangle Building A14, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia (Email: [email protected])

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Abstract

Famous for its role as a Vishnuite temple during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, Angkor Wat's subsequent fate has attracted less interest. Traces of modifications to the outer walls of the complex may, however, hold the key to understanding its role during its later phases. Here, holes in the masonry and structural changes to the substantial walls are investigated to demonstrate how wooden structures with a defensive role were built to protect the site sometime between the late thirteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The results reveal how Angkor Wat may have made its last attempt at defence.

Keywords

Southeast Asia Cambodia Angkor defence fortification construction techniques

Type: Research
Information: Antiquity , Volume 89 , Issue 348 , December 2015 , pp. 1456 - 1472

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2015.140 [Opens in a new window]
Copyright: Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd, 2015

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