Classroom » Multimedia
Bats in Khmer temple
About this recording
- Creator
- Kristin Post
- Date created
- February 24, 2001
- Duration
- 0:22
- Location
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- File
- MP3
- License
- This recording copyright ©2001. Terms of use
Related media
Learn more
- Search LEARN NC for Angkor Wat, animals, Bakong, bats, Cambodia, nature, Roluos, temples, and wildlife.
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In my opinion Angkor Wat in Cambodia surpasses the ancient Egyptian ruins, though it is by far less well-known, especially amongst Americans.
Angkor Wat is the name of an important temple built by the ancient Khmer civilization, but also has also come to refer to the expanse of temples in northern Cambodia that were built over the centuries by the Khmer. What makes these temples so impressive is their scale, their number, and the incredible carvings. The Khmers were first Hindu and later Buddhist, so imagery of both religions is present in these carvings. One very common motif is the Naga, or many headed snake, a Hindu icon.
The Roluos Group is the oldest group of temples open to the public, and was once the center of the ancient Khmer civilization. In this recording, you can hear the high pitched screech of hundreds of bats, which were flying around one of the temples at Bakong. Some of the Ankor temples have been restored, others are being taken over by the surrounding jungle. Each is beautiful in its own way.
From my journal:
Bakong — large complex-- mountain model, same as Bakhang near Angkor. This was made more interesting becase a school and monastary were on the grounds. I liked watching the school.… Temple was okay. But I liked the surrounding buildings and carvings on doors and lintels.
