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Angkor Wat is located in Northwestern Cambodia, Angkor, the Capital of the Ancient
Khmer Empire was possibly founded around the Ninth Century AD by
King Jayavarman II. The Temple of Angkor Wat was dedicated to the
Hindu God Vishnu by King Suryavarman II, who reigned between AD 1131
and 1150. The Temple was constructed over a period of 30 years, and
illustrates some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu
art. Covering an area of about 81 hectares, the complex consists of
five towers, which are presently shown on the Cambodian national
flag. These towers are believed to represent the five peaks of Mount
Meru, the Home of Gods and Center of the Hindu Universe. Angkor Wat
features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs
along the outer gallery walls, narrating stories from Hindu
Mythology.
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