Prasat Sambor Prei Kuk is
an archaeological site in Cambodia located in Kampong Thom
Province, 30 km (19 mi) north of Kampong Thom, the provincial
capital, 176 km (109 mi) east of Angkor and 206 km
(128 mi) north of Phnom Penh. The now ruined complex dates back to
the Pre-Angkorian Chenla Kingdom (late 6th to 9th century),
established by king Isanavarman I as central royal sanctuary and
capital, known then as Isanapura . In 2017, Sambor Prei Kuk was declared as
a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located on the Eastern bank of the Tonle
Sap lake, close to the Sen River, the central part of Sambor Prei Kuk
is divided into three main groups. Each group has a square layout surrounded by
a brick wall. The structures of the overall archaeological area were
constructed at variable times: the southern and north groups (7th century)
by Isanavarman I, who is considered a possible founder of the
city and the central group (later date).
The buildings of Sambor Prei Kuk are characteristic of
the Pre-Angkorean period with a simple external plan. The principal material is
brick, but sandstone is also used for certain structures. Architectural
features include numerous prasats, octagonal towers, shiva lingams and yonis,
ponds and reservoirs, and lion sculptures. Sambor Prei Kuk is located amidst
mature sub-tropical forests with limited undergrowth. The area has been mined
and could still contain unexploded ordnance.
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