Unfortunately, my photographs of these bas-relief carvings don’t do them justice.  The scale and scope of them are overwhelming, as is the intricacy of their scope and execution.

In fairness, the great old cathedrals of Europe are nearly the same age, though they are much smaller, they are of a craftsmanship that is fully equal or superior to that found at Angkor. They do not, however, evoke in me the same awe that is experienced at these sites; possibly from the magnitude, possibly from the more exotic motif and location in a jungle.

Many of these structures and art were basically abandoned to the jungle for nearly 1,000 years and yet were capable of restoration to this degree an incredible feat.