Koh Ker

13.786944444444104.53583333333Koordinaten: 13 ° 47 ' 13 " N, 104 ° 32' 9" E

Koh Ker (Khmer: ប្រាសាទ កោះ កេរ ) is the modern name for a formerly important city of the Khmer Empire, which Lingapura (City of lingas ) or Chok Gargyar ("city of splendor " ) was called. It is located in northern Cambodia in a sparsely populated jungle region, located around 120 kilometers from Siem Reap and Angkor. On an area of ​​81 km2 over 180 monuments have been discovered so far. Most of them are hidden in the forest, which is partly still heavily mined. About two dozen shrines can be visited safely.

Among the Khmer kings Jayavarman IV and II was Harshavarman Koh Ker for a short time (from 928-944 AD) the capital of the whole empire. Jayavarman IV ( 928-941 ) followed in Koh Ker an ambitious building program, which features a large water reservoir and numerous temples included, including a 36 -meter-high, seven-stage pyramid.

In Koh Ker of independent " Koh Ker style " was developed and the sculpture reached a brilliant climax. Because of the remote location, the place was always haunted by art thieves. Sculptures from Koh Ker can be found in various museums. Masterpieces from Koh Ker are offered from time to time at auctions; From today's perspective it is mostly about looted art.

Since 1992 Koh Ker is on the candidate list of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Geography

Koh Ker is situated between the southern slopes of the Dangrek Mountains, the Kulen Mountain ( Phnom Kulen ) in the southwest and the Phnom Tbeng in the east. The region is hilly and forested for the most part tight, with deciduous trees in the majority are. In the second half of the 19th century, when French explorers and adventurers roamed the area, there were still large wild stocks. The city of Koh Ker was the most important strategic road of the entire Khmer Empire, which ran from Angkor to Beng Mealea to Preah Vihear Temple and on to Phimai (now Thailand) and Wat Phu ( in what is now Laos). The area is relatively dry. In the 9th and 10th centuries, numerous reservoirs and canals were built to ensure the water supply. Today, water is pumped by pumps from 30 to 40 m depth.

History

Koh Ker was first mentioned in 919 AD in an inscription and called Pura (Sanskrit for City). Even then there were in Koh Ker numerous sanctuaries.

Jayavarman IV

Jayavarman IV reigned probably as a local king over a territory whose capital Koh Ker was before he was 928 proclaimed king of Kambuja. That would explain why he chose the secluded Koh Ker as a metropolis, and not as its predecessors in Roluos ( Hariharalaya ) or Yasodharapura (Angkor ) reigned. Jayavarman IV demonstrated his power, inter alia, with an ambitious building program, which he realized by means of repressive control surveys. Around forty temples, including the huge stepped pyramid, created during his reign ( 928-944 ) in Koh Ker. The sculpture reached an artistic peak during his reign.

The question of whether Jayavarman IV was a usurper, is often discussed. However, the majority of investigators consider him as the legitimate ruler. Jayavarman IV came thanks to marrying a younger half- sister of Yasovarman I. ( 889-900 ) to power, when the sons of this king ( Harshavarman had died without descendants I. reigned from 900-922, Isanavarman II 922 -ca. 925).

Harshavarman II

After the death of Jayavarman IV in 941 was not his designated successor King. Another of his sons, Harshavarman II, tore the domination. During his short reign ( 941-944 ), no further temples were built in Koh Ker. Whether Harshavarman II died of natural causes, is questionable. His cousin Rajendravarman II succeeds and moved the capital back to Angkor.

Koh Ker 944

Although Koh Ker was no longer the capital of the Khmer Empire, more buildings were erected after 944 proven. The last temple was built at the beginning of the 13th century and is located east of the Rahal Baray. He comes by Jayavarman VII (1181-1220) and was one of more than 100 hospital chapels that had built throughout the empire of these rulers.

History of Research

19th century

The French Luned de Lajonquière and Etienne Aymonier visited Koh Ker in the second half of the 19th century. They saw the main temple complex, the Baray and a group of Linga shrines. They discovered, among other things an eight to nine meters wide Chaussée (several sections ), of which they imagine that they once led by Koh Ker direction Wat Phu. Around 1880, a French expedition members traveled to Koh Ker and stole numerous relief parts and statues. These are now in the Musée Guimet in Paris.

20th century

Early 20th century art historian recognized that in the first half of the 10th century in Koh Ker in a unique style was born. At about the same time George closed Coedes from inscriptions that Koh Ker was the capital of the Khmer empire during the reign of Jayavarman IV ( 928-941 ). In the 30s another French expedition arrived to Koh Ker. The total number of monuments discovered on an area of ​​35 km2 increased to around fifty. Henry Parmentier prepared a number of masterful drawings. In the 70s, after the end of the reign of terror of the Khmer Rouge, the research resumed in Koh Ker ( by APSARA as well as French, Japanese and Australian scientists ) were.

21st Century

At the beginning of the 21st century it was recognized that not all the monuments could have been built during the brief period when Koh Ker was the capital. The era of exploration from the air ( eg by means of satellite images ) also began in Koh Ker. In 2004, the area worthy of protection was extended to 81 km2. Japanese researchers needed after five years in order to describe 184 monuments and their precise location. The Australian research team led by Damian Evans to confirm the more than century-old conjecture of Lajonquière that once there was a connecting road between Koh Ker and Wat Phu succeeded. Evans believes that this was the most important strategic directions of the entire Khmer Empire.

Religion

The city of Koh Ker, including their environment was probably long been a Hindu place of worship before it was under Jayavarman IV capital of the whole empire 928 and subsequently flourished. Jayavarman IV himself was an ardent devotee of Shiva, as proven by inscriptions and numerous shrines. During later Khmer kings ( not resided in the Koh Ker ) turned toward Buddhism and could make appropriate changes to the temples, Koh Ker was largely spared from these interventions due to its remote location.

Inscriptions

Inscriptions on which Koh Ker is mentioned as the capital, were found in Takeo, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap and Battambang. From inscriptions that were discovered in Koh Ker, one can conclude that over ten thousand people lived in the short-term capital. The inscriptions also mention how the work was organized in the kingdom: Workers from many provinces of the country were mobilized to supply their taxes in the form of rice were collected. An inscription at Prasat Damrei (see below ) states that the shrine on the state temple ( Prang, see below ) a 4.5 meter high lingam housed and the erection of this Shiva symbol prepared etwelche difficulties. In Prasat Thom (see below) there is a Sanskrit inscription, which testifies that a Shiva Linga here was consecrated in the year 921, under the name Tribhuvaneshvara ( gem " Lord of the Threefold World." Jacques, 2007) worshiped been.

Style of Koh Ker

Be attributed to the Koh Ker style ( 921-944 ) not only numerous monuments and sculptures that originated in Koh Ker, but also the temples Prasat Krahom and Baksey Chamkrong in Angkor.

New IV in architecture at the time of Jayavarman is the type of the Step Pyramid, as they represent the Prang (see below ) and the Baksey Chamkrong. Another new feature is the establishment of several similar towers on a common platform. In Koh Ker there are three Prasats standing in a row ( the Prasat Krahom in Angkor has five towers).

The sculpture art reached an absolute peak in Koh Ker. For the first time in the history of Khmer art are the round plastic sculptures without pillars freely in space. They are worked on all sides rich in detail and with great care. The figures often seem extremely dynamic, with the motives of wrestling and dance are particularly popular. The facial features are gentle and noble and show a faint smile. The lintels of the temples of Koh Ker have elaborate reliefs with lush leafy vines and sometimes also a medallion with mythological scenes. The lingas in the Prasats are often about two feet high and very thick. The corresponding Yonis are decorated up to one meter high and rich with ornamental and figural relief decoration. Most of the figural Baudekors of Koh Ker is now in museums, including the National Museum in Phnom Penh or in the Musée Guimet in Paris or was stolen.

Selected sculptures from Koh Ker in the National Museum of Phnom Penh

At the entrance to the National Museum in Phnom Penh a 2:13 meter high Garuda is from the Prasat Thom ( see below). A masterpiece are about 80 cm high torsos of two closely intertwined wrestlers who also come from the Prasat Thom. Originally Prasat Chen (see below) were the 1.94 -meter ring monkey king Sugriva and Valin ( figures from the Ramayana ).

Historic town of Koh Ker

The actual city of Koh Ker, in which the time Jayavarmas IV at least ten thousand people lived, stretched northwest of the large water reservoir ( Rahal Baray ). Some authors mention a square fortification with a side length of 1.2 km; Most researchers today tend linear structures partly parallel and partly running at right angles, to be considered as dams of channels. The main sanctuary of Koh Ker, the temple complex Prasat Thom / Prang, was not in the center of the ancient city. From the usual Khmer Empire Holzbauten nothing has been preserved.

As a building material found in Koh Ker laterite, sandstone and brick use. Laterite and sandstone of excellent quality were present in the region in large quantities; thus accounted for long transport routes. The bricks used are small, regular and very dense. A thin layer of organic material, the composition of which is not entirely clear, was used as mortar. The brick buildings in Koh Ker survived the centuries, far better than those of laterite. The roofs of some temples in Koh Ker owned a timber structure and were covered with bricks, after which point the drilled holes in the rock for the stringers.

Water reservoirs

The Baray (water reservoir ) Rahal called, is the largest object on the grounds of short-term Khmer capital. It measures 1200m x 560m and was carved into the natural rock. He has three dams, which are covered with laterite steps. The Rahal is not like the Barays of Angkor from the east facing west, but also shows a north 15 ° west orientation, which also follow the most important monuments in Koh Ker. This suggests that began with the construction of the first Baray. Whether an existing floor sink or other reasons for this alignment were crucial, is not entirely clear. Today, the Rahal Baray is largely overgrown and dried grass and trees. Only the corner, which is the main monuments closest points in the dry season on smaller bodies of water.

In the surroundings of Koh Ker there are other reservoirs of smaller dimension than the Rahal. The " Sra Andong Preng " is located south of Prasat Thom. He is let into the ground, has laterite steps and is not attributable to the temple. Since the ( wooden ) Palace of Jayavarman IV was in this area, it could be at Sra Andong Preng a royal bathroom. In the rainy season here is high the water up to seven meters.

The " Trapeang Khna " is located south of the Rahal next to the Prasat Khna. The artificial, about 40 meters long, irregularly shaped sandstone basin has ( at the outer narrow sides of the border ) in reliefs with unique designs. Besides Lingas and Yonis planetary deities as well as rare animals such as dolphins, manatees and monitor lizards are shown. Irawadidelfine can be observed even in the Mekong today; Manatees formerly lived among others in the Tonle Sap Lake. The basin of the Trapeang Khna and the surroundings are lush overgrown with plants, so it is not easy to find the reliefs.

Shrines and Temples

Main sanctuary Prasat Thom / Prang

Linear plan

The temple complex Prasat Thom / Prang follows a linear plan of what ( is another example with a linear floor plan of Prasat Preah Vihear ) in the architecture of the Khmer, the favored concentric systems, is very rare. Lajonquière and Parmentier saw the main temple group in a far better condition than it presents itself today. Your descriptions ( from 1902, respectively. 1939) help us to understand the system. The access road ends at the visitor parking lot, which cuts the linear system. On the right are the two so-called palaces. On the left there are ( behind the restaurant) the other structures of the temple complex: the entrance pavilion, two towers of Prasat Krahom, the walled district with the moat, the Prasat Thom and the Prang and the "Elephant Hill". The axis of the complex does not extend exactly from east to west, but is perpendicular to the main axis of the Baray (15 ° NNW ) which corresponds to 15 ° ONO. The total length of the system is more than 800 meters.

Palaces

The North and the South Palace are very similar. Both consist of four different long rectangular buildings, which are arranged around a courtyard. Each of the eight building is divided into one large and two small interior spaces. Two buildings each palace have porches with pillars. It is believed that the palaces served the king or guests of honor for worship or recreation rooms. Between the two palaces and the next monument is located a distance of 185 m.

Entrance pavilion and laterite towers

A huge Gopuram Made of sandstone with its cruciform layout is around 45 meters before the double sanctuary. The arms of the cross measures about 60 meters, the longitudinal beams 30 meters. Parallel to the transom are two long halls ( forerunner of the later galleries), giving the impression of a double -scale cross beam is produced. Directly behind the heavily decayed Gopuram are the remains of two large laterite towers.

Prasat Krahom

Behind the two laterite towers of Prasat is Krahom, which owes its name to the color of the bricks of which it is built ( krahom = red). The Prasat Krahom granted one hand inlet in the walled district and on the other hand is a separate temple of impressive size. It has a cruciform layout and presents itself in a good condition. He once hosted a round 3.50m large statue of Dancing Shiva with five heads and ten arms. The sculpture was completely destroyed ( in the National Museum in Phnom Penh is a hand - fragment length of 50 cm ).

Exterior enclosure

The long wall outermost ring (3rd ring of walls ) extends over a length of 328 meters and a width of 151 meters. A cross wall divides the district into two enclosed courtyards. The eastern courtyard is almost square with 157 meters length and 151 meters width. The western yard is 171 meters long.

Moat

In the eastern courtyard is a circa 47 -meter-wide, tree-lined moat surrounds the complex system of Prasat Thom. Access to the temple complex by two dams, one of which is East, the other is on the on the west side. Both are flanked by naga balustrades. The eastern embankment has an additional colonnade of pillars extending between the Naga balustrades. Originally Behind the Nagas of the eastern dam were huge Garuda (see selected sculptures).

Prasat Thom

The Prasat Thom (which means large sanctuary ) is located in the eastern courtyard within the moat. The structures of the entire temple complex located in a poor condition. The temple has two concentric walls. The first (inner) city wall is built of brick; the second (outer) wall ring is made of laterite and about 60 meters long and 55 meters wide. The gates of both wall rings are located on the east and on the west side. The gates of the outer walls have a cross-shaped floor plan. The area between the first and the second ring of walls is almost completely occupied by rectangular structures that were probably added later. In the innermost district are the central sanctuary, two so-called libraries and 21 towers. Nine towers rise on a common platform, five in the first and four in the second row. Around the platform are a total of twelve other smaller towers in groups of three. All Prasats originally contained Lingas .. An inscription states that the main lingam was consecrated in 921.

Prang

The Prang, the seven- * pyramid of sandstone ( often wrongly called Prasat Thom ), resembles much more the pyramids in Central America ( zBTeotihuacán or Chichen Itza ), as the multi-level temple mountains of the Khmer period ( the Prang is similar, only the Baksey Chamkrong in Angkor ). With the construction of the temple was started 928; he is regarded as the state temple of Jayavarman IV, the base edges of the square pyramid levels measured 62 m, the present height is 36 m. On the top deck of the monument originally stood a shrine that housed a huge lingam (symbol of the state god Shiva ). In inscriptions it is, this Lingam is the largest and most magnificent of all. Only on the east side there is a very steep staircase, which is located in a desolate state. The mounted above the stairs ladder is damaged such that a ban on access had to be attached. * Some researchers refer to the monument as sechsstufig and consider the seventh stage as podium for the ( no longer existing ) shrine, which once was the home league. This platform ( the 7th level ) was decorated on the outer sides with Garuda - reliefs.

Grave of the White Elephant

Behind the Step Pyramid rises outside the enclosure, a circular, artificial hills, called the " grave of the White Elephant ". Maybe it is the core of another monument. Also under discussion whether it could be the burial site of Jayavarman IV act. The hill is overgrown with bushes and trees. The narrow path leading up the hill was closed for security reasons.

Monuments on the access road

Prasat Pram

The Prasat Pram, the southernmost of the accessible temples, is on the left side of the access road, from a 300 m long path leads to the sanctuary. Within an enclosure are five Prasats ( pram = five ). Three brick towers stand on a common platform. Just a few steps before the first and third tower, but next to the platform, there are two more Prasats. The smaller, northern one is of laterite, the southern built from bricks. The top of the brick tower significantly small, diamond-shaped openings are observed, an indication that here the sacred fire was kept, which played an important role in the cults of Khmer. It is clearly evident that the four well-preserved brick towers were originally covered with a white layer. Unfortunately, the lavishly decorated lintels of art thieves were beaten off. In Nationalmueseum in Phnom Penh there are two artifacts from the Prasat Pram: the remains of a lion statue and fragments of a standing, four-armed Vishnu.

Prasat Neang Khmau

This sanctuary is located about 500 meters after the Prasat Pram on the right side of the road. A Lateritmauer surrounds the well-preserved tower of the same material. Inside even the original Linga stands on a Yoni.

Prasat Bak

About 1000 meters north of Prasat Pram and on the left side of the road is the Prasat Bak. The only 5m x 5m measured laterite temple is located in a desolate state. At least until 1960 it housed a colossal statue of Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Uma. This sculpture is now in a private collection outside of Cambodia.

Prasat Chen

To the north of Prasat Bak are the ruins of Prasat Chen. All parts of the temple are made of laterite. The three towers, of which the middle one rises above the other, stand on a common platform. They are surrounded by two concentric walls. The impressive giant sculpture with two ring monkey kings, which is exhibited in the National Museum in Phnom Penh, was originally located in this sanctuary. Due to the hairstyle of the monkey kings, reminiscent of Chinese headdresses, the plant was named Prasat Chen (Chen = Chinese). At the beginning of the 21st century, a fragment of a many-armed Vishnu statue was discovered in front of the central tower. In Prasat Chen five inscriptions were found. In these the names of the persons enumerated, which stood in the temple service.

Monuments on the round course

Built at the suggestion of archaeologists road begins at the parking lot, leading around the Rahal Baray and opens into the access road. The circuit allows access to most sanctuaries, which are released to the public. Near the northeast corner of the Rahal were originally four - linga shrines, of which the first two are relatively well preserved.

Prasat Balang ( Prasat Leung Moi )

Linga 1: The northernmost shrine this group stands on a platform and has a squat cube shape with the roof open. It is built of sandstone blocks and houses a two meters wide, unbroken Linga, which weighs several tons and standing on a yoni. Linga and Yoni are carved out of solid rock. The ornate reliefs on the side walls of the yoni have been knocked off, just the four of Garuda in the corners, which seemed to carry with her ​​arms raised, the Yoni. Between the Yoni and the walls of the shrine, there is room for a few people. This was probably intended for the priests who were responsible for the acts of worship. By dousing the Linga with water this was consecrated. It was collected from the Yoni and passed on the north side over a sink (which is still visible today ) to the outside.

Prasat Thneng ( Prasat Leung Pee )

Linga 2: The second Linga shrine is very similar to the first. The Linga of similar dimension as the first shrine, instructs the base to a massive cleft that presumably comes from art thieves. The Yoni is badly damaged.

Leung Bye

Linga 3: From shrine is get nothing. The more than two meters tall Linga is overturned on the broken Yoni.

Prasat Leung Bon

Linga 4: On the other side of the street is the Prasat Leung Bon, a tower of large sandstone blocks. Behind this lie the ruins of a Gopuram. In the tower there is a large, ruined Linga; Moreover, the yoni base their relief jewelery was robbed.

Prasat Andong Kuk ( Prasat Sralau )

Surrounded by a wall monument shows the same architecture as the hospital chapels, Jayavarman VII in XIII. Century had built throughout the Khmer Empire, which indicates that Koh Ker in XII. Century still an inhabited city was. In the central shrine of the heavily damaged sanctuary, a large Linga is from an earlier period. The Prasat Andong Kuk was partly built from elements that are from older temples; even stones with Sanskrit inscriptions found as a new use.

Prasat Krachap

This large, heavily damaged sanctuary, is considered one of the most beautiful in Koh Ker. It was inaugurated in 928 and has two concentric walls, the outer of which measures 105m x 105m. On a platform in the interior, which is hardly recognizable, once stood five brick towers in quincunx position. The magnificent Gopuram originally had a roof of a wooden structure (which occupy holes in the stone ) and brick. Two reliefs, representing Shiva on Nandi, his mount, can be found in this monument, as an inscription.

Prasat Banteay Pee Chean

The Prasat Banteay Pee Chean, which was completed in 937, is in a ruinous state. It has two concentric enclosing walls; the outer measures 105m x 105m. The Laterittempel in the center, which includes the libraries and a long gallery, was surrounded by eight smaller shrines made ​​of bricks, one of which remained only slightly.

Prasat Chrap

This temple has two concentric enclosing walls. Three large Laterittürme standing in a row, rising up in the center. Prior to these, there are the remains of two Prasats brick.

Prasat Damrei

South of the Rahal Baray area, is located on the right side of the runway within an enclosure wall of Prasat Damrei, a shrine brick of 6 m side length. Four lions flanked by stairs leading to the sanctuary, originally woke up in the corners of each an elephant made ​​of sandstone; Unfortunately, only two of these sculptures have been preserved.

Prasat Krahom

This small temple made ​​of brick (not to be confused with the Prasat in the main sanctuary ) is west of Prasat Damrei. The top part is divided into two parts.