Editing Khmer architecture (section)

==Periodization==

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Many temples had been built before Cambodia became the powerful [[Khmer Empire]] which dominated a large part of mainland [[Southeast Asia]]. At that time, Khmer was known as the [[Chenla]] kingdom, the predecessor state of the Khmer empire.

Latest research reveals that the Khmer already erected stone buildings in the [[Protohistory|protohistoric]] period, which they used for the worship of mighty [[tutelary spirits]]. This earliest extant architecture consists of relatively small cells made from prefabricated megalithic construction parts, which probably date at least to the [[2nd century BC|second century BC]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gabel |first=Joachim |year=2022 |title=Earliest Khmer Stone Architecture and its Origin: A Case Study of Megalithic Remains and Spirit Belief at the Site of Vat Phu. |url=https://doi.org/10.34780/8a3v-k1ib |journal=[[Journal of Global Archaeology]]|doi=10.34780/8a3v-k1ib }}</ref>

There are three pre-Angkorean architectural styles:<ref>''Ancient Angkor'' guide book, by Michael Freeman and Claude Jacques, p. 30,  2003.</ref>
* [[Sambor Prei Kuk]] style (610–650): Sambor Prei Kuk, also known as Isanapura, was the capital of the [[Chenla Kingdom]]. Temples of Sambor Prei Kuk were built in rounded, plain colonettes with capitals that include a bulb.
* [[Prei Khmeng]] style (635–700): structures reveal masterpieces of sculpture but examples are scarce. Colonettes are larger than those of previous styles. Buildings were more heavily decorated but had general decline in standards.
* [[Kompong Preah]] style (700–800): temples with more decorative rings on colonettes which remain cylindrical. Brick constructions were being continued.

Scholars have worked to develop a periodization of Angkorean architectural styles. The following periods and styles may be distinguished. Each is named for a particular temple regarded as paradigmatic for the style.<ref>The periodization of Angkorean architecture presented here is based on that of Freeman and Jacques, ''Ancient Angkor'', pp. 30–31.</ref>
* [[Phnom Kulen National Park|Kulen]] style (825–875): continuation of pre-Angkorean style but it was a period of innovation and borrowing such as from Cham temples. Tower is mainly square and relatively high as well as brick with laterite walls and stone door surrounds but square and octagonal colonettes begin to appear.
* [[Preah Ko]] style (877–886): [[Hariharalaya]] was the first capital city of the Khmer empire located in the area of Angkor; its ruins are in the area now called [[Roluos]] some fifteen kilometers southeast of the modern city of [[Siem Reap]]. The earliest surviving temple of [[Hariharalaya]] is Preah Ko; the others are [[Bakong]] and [[Lolei]]. The temples of the Preah Ko style are known for their small brick towers and for the great beauty and delicacy of their lintels.
* [[Phnom Bakheng|Bakheng]] Style (889–923): Bakheng was the first temple mountain constructed in the area of Angkor proper north of Siem Reap. It was the state temple of King [[Yasovarman I|Yasovarman]], who built his capital of Yasodharapura around it. Located on a hill (phnom), it is currently one of the most endangered of the monuments, having become a favorite perch for tourists eager to witness a glorious sundown at Angkor.
* [[Koh Ker]] Style (921–944): during the reign of King [[Jayavarman IV]], capital of Khmer empire was removed from Angkor region through the north which is called [[Koh Ker]]. The architectural style of temples in [[Koh Ker]], scale of buildings diminishes toward center. Brick still main material but sandstone also used.
* [[Pre Rup]] Style (944–968): under King [[Rajendravarman]], the Angkorian Khmer built the temples of [[Pre Rup]],East Mebon]] and [[Phimeanakas]]. Their common style is named after the state temple mountain of Pre Rup.
* [[Banteay Srei]] Style (967–1000): Banteay Srei is the only major Angkorian temple constructed not by a monarch, but by a courtier. It is known for its small scale and the extreme refinement of its decorative carvings, including several famous narrative bas-reliefs dealing with scenes from Indian mythology.
* [[Khleang]] Style (968–1010): the [[Khleang]] temples, first use of galleries. Cruciform gopuras. Octagonal colonettes. Restrained decorative carving. A few temples that were built in this style are [[Ta Keo]], [[Phimeanakas]].
* [[Baphuon]] Style (1050–1080): Baphuon, the massive temple mountain of King [[Udayadityavarman II]] was apparently the temple that most impressed the Chinese traveller [[Zhou Daguan]], who visited Angkor toward the end of the 13th century. Its unique relief carvings have a naive dynamic quality that contrast with the rigidity of the figures typical of some other periods. As of 2008, Baphuon is under restoration and cannot currently be appreciated in its full magnificence.
* Classical or [[Angkor Wat]] Style (1080–1175): Angkor Wat, the temple and perhaps the mausoleum of King [[Suryavarman II]], is the greatest of the Angkorian temples and defines what has come to be known as the classical style of Angkorian architecture. Other temples in this style are [[Banteay Samre]] and [[Thommanon]] in the area of [[Angkor]], and [[Phimai]] in modern [[Thailand]].
* [[Bayon]] Style (1181–1243): in the final quarter of the 12th century, King [[Jayavarman VII]] freed the country of Angkor from occupation by an invasionary force from [[Champa]]. Thereafter, he began a massive program of monumental construction, paradigmatic for which was the state temple called the Bayon. The king's other foundations participated in the style of the Bayon, and included [[Ta Prohm]], [[Preah Khan]], [[Angkor Thom]], and Banteay Thom. Though grandiose in plan and elaborately decorated, the temples exhibit a hurriedness of construction that contrasts with the perfection of Angkor Wat.
* Post [[Bayon]] Style (1243–1431): following the period of frantic construction under Jayavarman VII, Angkorian architecture entered the period of its decline. The 13th century [[Terrace of the Leper King]] is known for its dynamic relief sculptures of demon kings, dancers, and [[nāga]]s.