Ancient Indian Colonization in South-East Asia c9.88

c9.88

The town was surrounded by a high wall made of limonite with a ditch beyond it, 110 yds. wide. The ditch has a total length of more than 8 miles and its sides are paved with enormous blocks of stone. The enclosing walls were pierced by huge gates which gave access to the city by means of five grand avenues each 33 yds. wide and running straight from one end to the other. Each gateway consisted of a huge arched opening more than 30 ft. high and 15 ft. wide, and surmounted by four huge heads placed back to back. The town was square in shape, each side measuring about two miles. The grand avenues converge to the Temple of Bayon which occupies almost the central position of the city and is justly regarded as the masterpiece of Kambuja architecture. To the north of the Bayon is a great public square, a sort of forum, about 765 yds. long and 165 yds. wide, surrounded by famous structures such as the Baphuon, the Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Honour etc.