Preah Khan Kampong Svay (Prasat Bakan)

Preah Khan Kampong Svay or Prasat Bakan (locally known as Bakan Svay Rolay) is located about 100 km east of Angkor, in Preah Vihear Province. It is one of the largest religious complexes constructed during the Angkorian period. The outer enclosure measures over 22 square kilometers. However, due to its remote location, it does not receive as many visitors as other temples in Angkor.

History and Timeline

Historical records about Preah Khan Kampong Svay are limited. Some French scholars have suggested that it was built in the 11th century, likely during the reign of King Suryavarman I. Soil analysis indicates that the site was abandoned around the late 14th to 15th century. Maintenance of the temple and its structures ceased around the mid-14th century.

The temple also served as a royal residence during the reign of King Suryavarman II and became a strategic military base for King Jayavarman VII in his campaigns against the Chams in the late 12th century.

Different Perspectives on Its Role

Researchers Mitch Hendrickson and Damian Evans have raised various hypotheses, suggesting that this site may have functioned as an independent kingdom, a trading station, or a defensive outpost.

Rediscovery

In 1873, explorer Louis Delaporte visited and studied the temple. He brought stone carvings and drawings back to France for exhibition. Later, in 1937, Victor Goloubew used aerial photography to reveal the true scale of the temple complex.

Art and Sculpture

Many of the most famous Khmer sculptures originated here, including the head of King Jayavarman VII, which is now displayed at the National Museum of Cambodia. Unfortunately, during the late 1990s, the temple suffered from widespread looting of sculptures and severe damage to its structures.