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Questions and Answers
What is the significance of the concentric walls surrounding Khmer temples?
What is the significance of the concentric walls surrounding Khmer temples?
During the Khmer period, what was Angkor best known for?
During the Khmer period, what was Angkor best known for?
What architectural feature defines Kompong Preah Style temples?
What architectural feature defines Kompong Preah Style temples?
Which statement correctly describes the function of Barai in Khmer architecture?
Which statement correctly describes the function of Barai in Khmer architecture?
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What distinguishing characteristic is associated with colonetes in Khmer architecture?
What distinguishing characteristic is associated with colonetes in Khmer architecture?
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Which feature of Khmer temple architecture is known to have an uncertain true purpose?
Which feature of Khmer temple architecture is known to have an uncertain true purpose?
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What orientation does the Angkor Wat temple face?
What orientation does the Angkor Wat temple face?
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In regards to Khmer temple design, what is the primary purpose of a Gopura?
In regards to Khmer temple design, what is the primary purpose of a Gopura?
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Which of the following describes 'Bakan' in the context of the central sanctuary?
Which of the following describes 'Bakan' in the context of the central sanctuary?
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What is a notable architectural feature of the central sanctuary of a Khmer temple?
What is a notable architectural feature of the central sanctuary of a Khmer temple?
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What is the significance of the Mekong River in the context of early Cambodian settlements?
What is the significance of the Mekong River in the context of early Cambodian settlements?
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Which building material was primarily utilized by the Khmers during their early architectural period?
Which building material was primarily utilized by the Khmers during their early architectural period?
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What characterizes the Sambor Prei Kuk style of architecture?
What characterizes the Sambor Prei Kuk style of architecture?
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What architectural element is specifically associated with the Sambor Prei Kuk style?
What architectural element is specifically associated with the Sambor Prei Kuk style?
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What describes the climate that influenced the architecture in Cambodia?
What describes the climate that influenced the architecture in Cambodia?
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Which period marks the transition to Angkor as a capital?
Which period marks the transition to Angkor as a capital?
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What was a significant feature of the Prei Khemg Style?
What was a significant feature of the Prei Khemg Style?
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What is the main function of laterite in early Khmer architecture?
What is the main function of laterite in early Khmer architecture?
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What symbolizes the transition from the world of men to the world of the gods in the context of Angkor temples?
What symbolizes the transition from the world of men to the world of the gods in the context of Angkor temples?
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Which architectural feature serves to reinforce the presence of Indra in Khmer architecture?
Which architectural feature serves to reinforce the presence of Indra in Khmer architecture?
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What is the significance of the Quincunx arrangement in Khmer architecture?
What is the significance of the Quincunx arrangement in Khmer architecture?
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What is depicted in the bas-reliefs of Angkor temples?
What is depicted in the bas-reliefs of Angkor temples?
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What aspect of Angkor temple stairs represents 'the stairway to heaven'?
What aspect of Angkor temple stairs represents 'the stairway to heaven'?
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Which mythical creature is characterized as a temple guardian with a lion's head and dragon's body?
Which mythical creature is characterized as a temple guardian with a lion's head and dragon's body?
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In Khmer architecture, what is the function of Dvarapala?
In Khmer architecture, what is the function of Dvarapala?
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Which element of Khmer architecture features a representation of a cylinder symbolic of the Hindu God Shiva?
Which element of Khmer architecture features a representation of a cylinder symbolic of the Hindu God Shiva?
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Flashcards
Khmer Period
Khmer Period
The period in history where Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, from approximately 1010-1220 CE.
Enclosure (Khmer Temples)
Enclosure (Khmer Temples)
A concentric series of walls surrounding the temples, representing the mountain ranges surrounding Mount Meru.
Colonetes (Khmer Architecture)
Colonetes (Khmer Architecture)
Larger columns used in Khmer architecture compared to previous styles.
Kompong Preah Style
Kompong Preah Style
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Barai (Khmer)
Barai (Khmer)
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Pre-Angkorian Period
Pre-Angkorian Period
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Sambor Prei Kuk Style
Sambor Prei Kuk Style
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Prei Khmeng Style
Prei Khmeng Style
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Angkor
Angkor
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Mekong River
Mekong River
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Timber Building Material
Timber Building Material
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Laterite and Sandstone Bricks
Laterite and Sandstone Bricks
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Mount Meru in Hindu Mythology
Mount Meru in Hindu Mythology
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Khmer Temples
Khmer Temples
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Gopura
Gopura
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Bakan (Central Sanctuary)
Bakan (Central Sanctuary)
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Prang
Prang
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Vimanas
Vimanas
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Naga Bridge
Naga Bridge
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Linga
Linga
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Bas-reliefs
Bas-reliefs
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Quincunx
Quincunx
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Apsara
Apsara
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Devata
Devata
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Dvarapala
Dvarapala
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Study Notes
Khmer Architecture
- Khmer is the name of the early Cambodian civilization, known as the golden era of Cambodia.
- Westerners refer to Cambodia as Kampuchea.
- Settlements started in river valleys, specifically the Mekong River.
- Timber, laterite, sandstone, and terracotta bricks were the primary building materials.
- Laterite is a soft sedimentary rock that hardens when heated.
- Sandstone consists of compressed layers of sediments.
- Cambodia has a tropical climate, with monsoonal seasons.
Architectural Periods
- Pre-Angkorian Period: Angkor became the capital city during this era.
- Sambor Prei Kuk style: temples were built in round shapes, with simple, unadorned columns. Capitals often incorporated bulbs, showcasing both Buddhist and Hindu influence.
- Prei Khmeng Style (Prei Khemg): structures feature large sculptures, but architectural details are less elaborate. Colonettes are larger than prior styles.
- Kompong Preah Style: Temples had decorative rings and cylindrical colonettes. Brickwork remained a key element of construction.
Khmer Period
- Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire, and a major world city.
- Key architectural features in Khmer temples and cities included concentric walls surrounding temples shaped like mountains representing Mount Meru, a sacred Hindu mountain, housing the deities.
- Temple structures were designed in the shape of stepped pyramids.
- The highest part/sanctuary was at the center, symbolizing the home of the temple's deity.
- Structures like the Bakong, Baphuon, Pre Rup, Ta Keo, Koh Ker, Phimeanakas, and Phrom Bakeng are notable examples.
- The central sanctuary within the temples held the shrine of the primary deity.
- Structures like the Prang have carved tower-like spires that get smaller as they rise. This design resembles the shikhara of Hindu temples and the Viman in India.
- Angkor Wat is a complex temple structure that faces west. The entrance structures are called gopuras.
- Libraries were common architectural features often found in pairs. They were used as archive rooms.
Khmer Period Elements
- Bas-reliefs: Narrative carvings in stone walls depicting stories from mythology and history.
- Stairs: Steep stairs, with angles between 45° and 70°, led to the temples, symbolizing a "stairway to heaven."
- Apsara: Celestial dancers and minor female deities, commonly depicted in sculptures.
- Devata: Minor female deities.
- Dvarapala: Temple guardians (often demons) represented with clubs and lances.
- Gajasimha: Mythical animal with a lion's body and elephant head.
- Reachisey: mythical animal with lion's body and elephant head.
- Garuda: Half-human and half-bird, protector deity.
Other Features
- Naga Bridges: Nine-headed serpent sculptures adorned entrances of temples.
- Lingas: Cylindrical pillars symbolizing Shiva, a Hindu deity of creative power. The representations were often placed in temple sanctuaries.
- Quincunx: Five elements arranged to depict Mount Meru.
Colonial Period
- No specific details about architecture are provided in the text.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of Khmer architecture, which flourished during the early Cambodian civilization known for its distinctive building styles and materials. This quiz covers the architectural periods, key characteristics, and the historical context of this golden era in Cambodia. Test your knowledge on the stunning temples and structures that define Khmer heritage.