CONSTRUCTION AND UTILIZATION DATING OF TEMPLES BASED ON EXISTING REMAINS INSIDE THE CITY COMPOUND
- Structure of the ancient Khmer city of Isanapura (Part I) -
2013 Volume 78 Issue 690 Pages 1865-1874
Details
2013 Volume 78 Issue 690 Pages 1865-1874
Sambor Prei Kuk, identified by the original name Isanapura, was considered a city within the Chenla kingdom. It has been mentioned frequently in ancient Khmer inscriptions as well as Chinese records during early 7th century. The main city complex existed in an area surrounded by 2 x 2km moat located at the west bank of the O-Krou-Ke River. There are many archeological remains in the area such as brick temples, ponds, and scattered ceramics. Within this context, a research design and case study based on a new found site and its surrounding remains was developed. This paper will discuss the city structure by analyzing on temples, ponds and ceramics to more thoroughly understand the relationship among these features. Moreover, the focus emphasized identifying human habitation and spam time of occupation in this area. As a result, it was found that a complex which surrounded by a 163 x 139m brick wall (Named as M78/M79 complex site by authors), is the biggest group of temples inside the city compound. From architectural evidence, M78/M79 complex was built in at least into two different periods. They were first built in the Pre-Angkor period, and rebuilt in Angkor period.
