Cambodia-Photos.com - Angkorian Era History & Information

The Angkorian era started in the ninth century, when king Jayavarman II held a god-king ceremony at the mountain of Phnom Kulen in 802 C.E. In which the young king declared himself the supreme sovereign of the Khmer people, he founded the first capital city named Hariharalaya, located near modern day Roluos and is south-east of the main temple area, 13km from the town of Siem Reap. The Hariharalaya area is home to a small group of temples; Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei. These three temples were constructed in the late ninth century, which makes them the earliest temples built in the Angkorian era.

The first capital was named after Hari-Hara; a synthesis of the Hindu gods Shiva & Vishnu. Hinduism dominated the Khmer empire from its start here, right up until the 12th century, and later had a resurgence in the 13th century before Buddhism finally took over as the dominant religion.

After the building of Lolei by Yasovarman I in 893, the capital was moved to Angkor and the first monument was built atop the hill at Phnom Bakheng. During the years 928 to 941, Javayaman IV built a rival capital to Angkor at the site of Koh Ker, but the capital returned to Angkor with the reign of Rajendravarman who built East Mebon in 951 CE. on an island in the Eastern Baray which was built a few years previously, he also built nearby Pre Rup in 961.

A number of temples were constructed around the Angkor area during the following years; most notable is Banteay Srey which is located 37km north of the main temple area but is well worth a visit for its amazingly intricate and well preserved stone carvings & bas-reliefs. Also constructed in this period was the small baray of Sras Srang (although it was redeveloped and lined with sandstone in the 12th century by Javayaman VII). Opposite Sras Srang, an early temple was built on the site of Banteay Kdei.