Ancient Khmer Highway

In this article we will explore the topic of Ancient Khmer Highway, which has captured the attention and interest of many people in recent years. Since its emergence, Ancient Khmer Highway has sparked a series of debates and reflections in various areas, generating a significant impact on contemporary society and culture. Throughout this text, we will delve into the multiple facets and dimensions that characterize Ancient Khmer Highway, analyzing its relevance in the current context and offering new perspectives that invite reflection and dialogue.
Map of the Ancient Khmer Road System of the Khmer Empire

The Ancient Khmer Highway was a 225 km (140 mi) roadway going northwest between Angkor (in Cambodia) and Phimai (Vimayapura) (now in Thailand).[citation needed] While it was not the only such road built by the Khmer, it was the most important one.[citation needed]

Most of the road is overgrown by the jungle and is only visible today on aerial photographs. Few of dharmasala or houses with fire, the rest house chapels or hospital chapels survive (only the chapels remain as they were the only buildings built of sandstone or laterite, and all wooden constructions rotted away long ago). The only part of the road which is still driveable is at the entrance to the town of Phimai (state route 2163).

The road has been proven to exist in the 12th and 13th century, but it is quite certain that it existed earlier.[citation needed] Most of the buildings along the road date from the reign of King Jayavarman VII.[citation needed]

The road used the Ta Muen Thom pass over the Dângrêk Mountains, and the first major stop was the Phanom Rung temple.

References

  • Michael Freeman, A Guide to Khmer Temples in Thailand and Laos, ISBN 0-8348-0450-6