Stunning Archaeological Discovery: 900-Year-Old Guardian Statues Found
Archaeologists struck gold at Angkor Thom, unearthing 12 ancient statues buried for centuries beneath Cambodia’s legendary royal palace. 🌐 #News #History #Archaeology #Lifestyle
ST. PAUL, MN – Recently, a team of archaeologists made an electrifying discovery: 12 sandstone “door guardian” statues buried for centuries beneath the surface. As they searched for fallen stones, they stumbled upon these ancient treasures, each statue carrying the weight of a history nearly 900 years old. The statues, adorned with intricate details and symbolic designs, offer a rare glimpse into the grandeur of a lost empire.
The discovery, made at Cambodia’s Angkor Thom Royal Palace, was announced by Cambodia’s APSARA National Authority, the organization responsible for preserving and managing the iconic Angkor Archaeological Park. These statues, believed to date back to the construction of the 11th-century palace, reflect the distinct artistry of the Khneang Style.
The Legacy of Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom was once a thriving metropolis, one of the largest cities of its time, and the final capital of the mighty Khmer Empire. This ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdom once controlled vast regions of Southeast Asia, including modern-day Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and parts of Vietnam.
Today, the ruins lie within the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important historical locations in Asia.
The newly uncovered statues, varying in size from 39 to 43 inches, were found buried at depths of up to 4.5 feet. Some remain remarkably intact, while others have suffered cracks or severe damage. Their features include distinct facial hair ornaments and carved figures holding staffs, standing against an elaborately decorated backdrop.
Recent Finds Continue to Unravel Secrets
This is not the first time Angkor Thom has yielded stunning archaeological finds.
Just months earlier, archaeologists unearthed another door guardian statue at the Banteay Prei Temple, a nearby Buddhist site within the park.
These discoveries continue to shed light on the architectural and spiritual achievements of the Khmer civilization.
Ongoing Efforts to Reclaim a Stolen History
In recent years, Cambodia has been working to reclaim Khmer artifacts that were looted during the 1970s, a period of political chaos under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Many relics were illegally taken and sold abroad, but efforts to repatriate them have gained momentum.
However, controversy lingers over the preservation efforts within Angkor Archaeological Park. In 2022, the Cambodian government forcibly relocated more than 10,000 families living in the area, sparking international backlash. While the cleanup aims to protect the historical site, the methods used have drawn criticism.
With each new discovery, the mysteries of the Khmer Empire grow deeper, revealing both the cultural achievements and the challenges of preserving one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.
RELATED TOPICS: Cambodia | History | Lifestyle
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Your opinion matters! Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We love hearing from you!
