discoverer of angkor wat

Angkor Wat is the site's main attraction. It is often the temple people visit first. Built by Suryavarman II during the first half of the 12th century, it is a funeral pyre dedicated to Vishnu. The temple covers a 1500x1300m area. It spreads over three levels and is surrounded by 4 protective walls. Outside the walls are large moats covering an area of over 200 hectares. The temple is accessed from the Western gate. Two Nagas line a 200m-long sandstone alley across the moat. The entrance is a succession of triple doorways. Inside the porch, on both sides of the entrance, stand two chapels dedicated to Vishnu. Beyond these, aisles lead to two lateral gates named "Entrance of the Elephants". Once inside, another 350m-long alley leads to the main temple. On either side of the alley are libraries and ponds. It's better to watch the sunrise from the pond rather than from the alley, as it offers a better view of the five towers framing the sun. Just before the entrance to the main temple is a cross-shaped terrace. In the middle of it, an elevation indicates the location of the King's throne when he gave audiences or attended parades. The lower levels were reserved for the court. The central doors and side pavilions give access to the first floor gallery. It was probably the only gallery accessible to the numerous pilgrims.
The bas-reliefs around the first gallery were carved to teach Khmer people about Vishnu. The gallery on the second level is only open at the corners. A stone archway gives access to the third level of the temple and to 2 libraries. The layout of the third level can be seen repeated in many Khmer temples: a central sanctuary surrounded by four towers joined to each other by small arched alleys. The central sanctuary was originally open on its four sides.
The moats around the temple are 190m wide and 5.5 km long. The area including the temple and the moats spreads over 2 sq. km. The causeway leading to the temple is 250m long. The temple was the centre of the community, living quarters for 20,000 people. Ordinary people were allowed to enter the temple but no further than the first bas-reliefed wall. The second level was reserved to priests who had retired from the outside world to meditate. The third level was only accessible to kings and high priests.