6-30Aerial view (looking northeast) of Angkor Wat, Angkor, Cambodia, first half of 12th century.
Angkor Wat, built by Suryavarman II to associate the Khmer king with the god Vishnu, has five towers symbolizing the five peaks of Mount Meru,
the sacred mountain at the center of the universe.
6-31King Suryavarman II holding court, detail of a stone relief, lowest gallery, south side, Angkor Wat, Angkor, Cambodia, first
half of 12th century.
The reliefs of Angkor Wat glorify Vishnu in his various avatars, or incarnations, and Suryavarman II, whom the sculptor depicted
holding court and surrounded by his attendants, all of smaller scale than the king.