 "The
citadel of the Samre
Warning this temple
is somewhat
islocated, and you
should be vigiland
of your possessions
and travel with a
local guide. The
temple is worth the
extra effort to
experience the
elaborate
architecture, and
fine carvings,
although theft has
mutilated many of
the temple's
treasures.
Location: 400 meters
(1,312 miles) east
of the East Baray
Access: enter and
leave Banteay Samre
from the east.
Date: middle of the
12th century
King: Suryavarman II
(reigned 1113-1150)
Religion: Hindu
(dedicated to vishnu)
Art Style: Angkor
Wat
Background
Banteay Samre is one
of the most complete
complexes at Angkor
due to restoration
using the method of
anastylosis.
Unfortunately, the
absence of
maintenance over the
past 20 years is
evident. The name
Samre refers to an
ethnic group of
mountain people, who
inhabited the
regions at the base
of Phnom Kulen and
were probably
related to the
Khmers. No
inscription has been
found for this
temple, but the
style of most of the
architecture is of
the classic art of
the middle period
similar to Angkor
Wat. The monument
most likely dates
from the same
period, or, perhaps,
slightly later,
although there are
additions attributed
to the Bayon style.
The proportions of
Banteay Samre are
plended. A unique
feature is an
interior moat with
laterite paving,
which when filled
with water must have
given an ethereal
atmosphere to the
temple. All of the
buildings around the
moat are on a raised
base with horizontal
mouldings,
decoreated in some
areas with figures
framed by lotus
buds.
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